LITTLE CURRENT – On Sunday, August 11 at 2:10 am, members of the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Manitoulin-Sudbury Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a report of a female with injuries at the Country Fest Fairgrounds in Little Current.
The investigation revealed that a female in attendance at the music festival was walking back to her campsite when she was assaulted by an unknown male. She was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
While police were investigating the initial incident they received a second complaint at the fairgrounds regarding an assault on another female.
Police believe the two events are linked and are seeking to identify one suspect described as: male, thin build, approximately 5’11”, approximately 19 years old with dark hair, short on sides and longer on top.
“First and foremost, we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to these two victims,” Kelly Timmermans, co-organizer of Manitoulin Country Fest told The Expositor in a prepared statement. “As a board member of Manitoulin North Shore Victim Services, I can assure you I am very aware of the prevalence of sexual violence in our society.”
“The safety and security of all our patrons is very important to us,” Ms. Timmermans continued. “To the best of my knowledge, we have had 12 years with no incidents of this nature. Regardless, we are working closely with the OPP and security to help to identify the suspect(s) and will continue to work with them both to ensure a safe environment for all our patrons.”
“There is zero tolerance on the property for any kind of violence,” Ms. Timmermans concluded. “We would ask anyone who knows anything about these incidents to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.”
The investigation is ongoing at this time with the assistance of the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit. Any person with information regarding these events are being asked to please contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at to sudburycrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
