Burlington teen attacked from behind, gets video footage of assailant

An 18-year-old Burlington woman out for a walk was attacked by a stranger who put his hand over her mouth and tried to drag her into a forested area, according to Halton Regional Police.

The incident occurred July 5, the teen was out for a walk on Palladium Way when she noticed a grey minivan slowly drive past her multiple times.

As the teen continued walking, she came up to a forested area where she was suddenly grabbed from behind," according to Det. Sgt. Jared McLeod.

A man placed one hand over her mouth, preventing her from screaming," and then grabbed her around the waist and tried to drag her into the forested area, McLeod said in a news release.

The teen struggled with the man, causing them both to fall to the ground.

The teen was able to escape as the man fled.

The teen took a cellphone video of the man driving away in his van at a high rate of speed, police said.

The teen reported the incident as well as the licence plate of the grey minivan to police.

An Oakville man

has been charged with assault and forcible confinement.

Anyone with information can call police at 905-825-4747 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.