No bail for accused in violent St Catharines sex assault

[projekktor id=’20931′]

(Updated) A man’s under arrest after a violent sexual assault in St Catharines.

Kevin Kohl, 41, of St Catharines is behind bars for allegedly attacking a 19 year old woman working at the Canadian Tire on Welland Ave. Kohl was refused bail at a hearing this morning. His next court date is September 28th.

Police say Kohl arrived at the store around 7:45 last night. He went inside and asked the employee where the washrooms were located. The 19 year old was then taken into the washroom with the man, locked inside where she was violently assaulted for 30 minutes.

Police say Kohl let her go and she was able to get help. Niagara Regional Police media officer Phil Gavin says Kohl took off down a path behind the store, stole a bike as he tried to get away but was arrested in the neighbourhood behind the store.

Kohl faces multiple charges including sexual assault with a weapon and forcible confinement. He has a lengthy criminal history that shows his violent past; in 2007 he was convicted of harassment for chasing a woman while she was jogging, and spent two years in prison.

Canadian Tire has issued a statement on the incident, saying “this is a terrible incident, and we feel very badly for our employee. We’re working with her to get her the help and support she needs during this time.”

“It’s obviously a criminal matter and we are helping the Niagara Regional Police with absolutely everything they need to conduct their investigation.”