Hamilton man charged in trail sexual assault

Police have arrested and charged a 38-year-old Hamilton man after two women were allegedly sexually assaulted on a trail near McMaster University.

On Saturday, Sept. 3, around 7:30 p.m., a man approached two women walking Chegwin Trail on the south west side of Cootes Paradise, police said. The man was a stranger to the two women.

He spoke with them briefly before allegedly sexually assaulting them, police said. The woman fought him off and contacted police.

Thanks to help from McMaster Security Services and community members the suspect was arrested a short time later.

Michael Smith is charged with two counts of sexual assault.

The sexual assaults and arrest come at a time of heightened concern and increased police patrols on trails following several sexual assaults.

Anyone with information about this case can call Det. Katie Walker of the sexual assault unit at 905-546-4846 or the victims of crime office at 905-540-5553.

To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com

For confidential support, please contact the Sexual Assault Centre's 24-hour support line at 905-525-4162; connect online at www.sacha.ca, the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre at www.hhsc.ca/sadv or the Centre de sante communautaire www.cschn.ca.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com