THUNDER BAY – Police have arrested two men after a woman says she was robbed and sexually assaulted after being picked up in an unlicensed ride-sharing vehicle.
In a release issued on Monday, Thunder Bay Police said the woman arranged for a ride through a group chat, just before 11 p.m. on April 24.
She entered the vehicle and was allegedly threatened with a weapon by another occupant. She was then allegedly forced to surrender personal items of value and made to e-transfer funds.
After completing the money transfer, she was allowed to exit the vehicle and reported the incident to police a short time later.
The break and enter and robbery unit became involved with the investigation and the alleged suspects were identified and arrested on April 25.
Twenty-three-year-old Safwaan Mansuri was charged with robbery with a firearm, forcible confinement, uttering threats to cause death, disguise with intent and sexual assault with a weapon.
Twenty-one-year-old Harsh Jethava is charged with robbery with a firearm, forcible confinement and possession of property obtained by crime.
The accused have been remanded into custody and will face a future court appearance date.
Police are urging the public to be cautious using unlicensed ride-sharing services.
Anyone who believes they were a victim of a similar incident are asked to contact investigators at (807) 684-1200. If you have information that could assist investigators and want to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
