Ottawa man faces 8 charges in sexual assault

A 55-year-old man faces numerous charges connected to an alleged sexual assault at a west Ottawa apartment building.

Marc Leduc appeared in court this morning after an incident at 2155 Elmira Drive in the city's Pinecrest neighbourhood Thursday morning.

Leduc is accused ofbreaking into the apartmentof a 19-year-old woman who was sleeping and sexually assaulting her after she awoke,while brandishing a knife.

Police say the woman defended herself by wrestling the knife from Leduc. A source told CBC News she then stabbed him in the thigh, groin and abdomen before running out of her apartment.

The victim suffered minor injuries and Leduc suffered serious injuries.The suspect and victim were taken to hospital but they have since been released.

Leduc will remain in police custody pending a bail hearing at a later date.

Victim 'covered' in blood, neighbour said

Sarah Kitney said Thursday the victim was 'covered' in blood when she knocked on her door seeking help. Kitney then called police who later arrested Leduc in his apartment after breaking down the door, the neighbour said.

Both the suspect and victim lived in the same building, police say, but they did not know each other.

Leduc faces a long list of charges including sexual assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, overcoming resistance to offence/attempt to choke, break and enter, uttering threats to cause bodily harm, assault with a weapon, assault and breach of probation.

Police continue to investigate.

Anyone with information should contact Ottawa police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477.