A call about a woman in trouble at a local hotel last weekend resulted in a human trafficking investigation, say Windsor police.
Officers responded on Sunday at around 1 p.m. to an adult female complainant at a hotel in Windsor.
Police learned that the woman had recently come to Windsor from another province with an acquaintance.
Investigators determined that in the time since the victim’s arrival in Windsor, she was assaulted, threatened, and forced into prostitution by her acquaintance.
The suspect — an adult male from Quebec — had left the area in a vehicle before police were contacted, and was potentially leaving Ontario.
Windsor police brought the victim to safety.
Meanwhile, attempts to locate the suspect continued, and Windsor police notified law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions about the case.
A partner police agency found the suspect vehicle on Highway 401 near Woodstock.
The accused was taken into custody and transported back to Windsor for a court appearance.
Charges have been laid, including human trafficking, assault, forcible confinement, uttering a threat, and theft (value under $5,000).
In order to protect the identity of the victim, Windsor police have not disclosed the name of the accused.
Members of the Major Crimes Branch are continuing to investigate.
Friday, Feb. 22, is Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada, as recognized by the federal government.
Windsor police noted that human trafficking involves recruiting, transporting, and harbouring people for exploitative purposes — typically sex work or forced labour.
“Exploitation is the key element of the offence,” Windsor police said in a news release.
Anyone with information about these or other crimes is encouraged to call investigators at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830.
Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.