Peel Police have charged one man and are seeking several others in connection with the alleged multiple sexual assault of a woman in Brampton.

In a news release issued Thursday, police said a woman went to "Jack's Backyard," a Brampton night club on Saturday.

Const. Jodi Dawson, a Peel Police spokesperson, told ctvtoronto.ca that the 33-year-old Brampton resident met a man at the bar who was a stranger to her.

He invited her to a Brampton house party. She went. Police allege that several suspects sexually assaulted her there. Dawson said the woman suffered minor physical injuries.

Police have arrested and charged Daniel Downey, 50, of Brampton with the following:

  • gang sexual assault
  • forcible confinement
  • possession of a controlled substance
  • possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

He appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Wednesday.

"Officers are continuing to investigate this sex assault and would like to identify the man the victim met at the night club, and the other suspects. The only description for this man, and the other suspects, is that they are black males," police said.

Dawson said such gang sexual assault incidents are relatively uncommon in Peel region.

She couldn't say whether drugs played any role in the alleged assault, saying the matter is still under investigation.

Witnesses and others with information are asked to contact the Special Victims Unit at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3460. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by texting "PEEL," followed by the tip, to CRIMES (274637).

Arrest made

In a separate incident, Peel Police said they have made an arrest in connection with a Brampton sexual assault in the early morning hours of Jan. 1.

Police said in a news release that a 29-year-old woman was walking in the area of Main Street and Nanwood Drive.

"At this time, she was pushed to the ground and dragged towards a nearby creek.  The suspect fled on foot after a witness began to approach them. The victim sustained numerous injuries to her face and body. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was treated and released," they said.

Police said they learned the victim had contact with her alleged attacker earlier in the evening.

On Tuesday, police arrested and charged Josef Jomo Gopaul, 22, of Brampton with aggravated sexual assault. He is in custody pending a bail hearing.