WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.
London police are reaching out to potential additional victims or witnesses after charging a 44-year-old man from St. Thomas in connection with an alleged sexual assault that took place in broad daylight last month.
Police allege Gregory Zehr approached a woman walking in the 600 block of Adelaide Street on June 4 and tricked her into getting into his vehicle.
“Once inside, the man produced a knife, restrained her hands and transported her to the area of Oxford Street East and Mornington Avenue, where she was sexually assaulted,” said Det. Sgt. Janine Bonnett of the London Police Service (LPS).
The woman later contacted police.
“This case is particularly concerning in the fact that [the victim and accused] were unknown to each other, and the manner in which the sexual assault took place,” said Bonnett.
Investigators identified the suspect through witness descriptions and surveillance video, police said, arresting Zehr in St. Thomas on June 5.
Zehr faces charges including sexual assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, kidnapping, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon and uttering threats of death or bodily harm. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Police stated that Zehr remains in custody and is expected to appear in a London courtroom Thursday.
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A London Police Service poster showing a photograph of the accused. (Alessio Donnini/CBC News)
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London Police Service Chief Thai Truong speaks to reporters on Thursday, Jul. 23, 2026. (Alessio Donnini/CBC News)
Police Chief Thai Truong emphasized the serious nature of this investigation on Thursday.
“Under Ontario’s major case management model for stranger-to-stranger sex assaults, we need to take an elevated look at it; resources are dedicated for investigations like this,” Truong said.
Truong noted they hope their appeal will encourage anyone who’s faced sexual violence to come forward since these crimes often go unreported. In recent years, he mentioned LPS has averaged between 500 and 600 sexual assault investigations annually.
“A trauma-informed understanding of sexual assault shows us that it’s very difficult for victims and survivors to speak up,” said Truong.
“We want all voices heard. If there are more victims out there, we want to make it easier for them to share their experiences.”
If you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing sexual or domestic violence, supports are available. Locally, the London Abused Women’s Centre and Anova are ready to help those in need. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this government of Canada website or find resources at the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or others around you please call 911.
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Concerns About More Victims
Investigators mentioned they released the name and photo of the accused because they believe there could be more victims or witnesses who haven’t come forward yet. Acknowledging how tough it can be to report sexual violence, police encouraged other victims or people who had troubling encounters with the accused to reach out. “We recognize that coming forward can be difficult, particularly in cases involving sexual violence, but even information that may seem minor could be significant to our investigation,” Bonnett said. Police also requested information from anyone who was around Adelaide and Pall Mall streets or Oxford Street East and Mornington Avenue between about 11:30 AM and noon on June 4. The accused drove a 2014 gray Ford Focus, according to police.Source link
