A 41 year old man has been arrested and charged in connection with several sexual assaults that took place on a bike path in Deux-Montagnes over a five year period.
Patrick Deschenes was arrested in Saint-Eustache Thursday after an investigation into an attack that took place in August led police to his home. Investigators were able to obtain evidence after that assault, eventually resulting in Deschenes' arrest.
Police were able to then link Deschenes to three other open cases that occurred between 2012 and this year through victim and witness testimony. In each attack, the suspect chased his victims while riding a bike, then grabbing them and pulling them into the woods before assaulting them. He usually struck during the evening.
The bike path where the attacks took place is travelled often, as it connects Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac with Deux-Montagnes and Saint-Eustache, and also leads to the Deux-Montagnes train station.
Deschenes was formally charged with four counts of sexual assault, three charges of forcible confinement, and one count of breaking and entering, after he entered a residence to assault one of the victims.
Deux-Montagnes police believe Deschenes may have attacked others. Potential victims or anyone with information can contact 450-473-4686 extension 218.