Man arrested after woman assaulted in her own home in Fort Erie

Niagara police have arrested one man after an 18-year-old woman was assaulted in her own home in Fort Erie on Monday.

The incident started around 3 p.m. when the victim was driving on the QEW and noticed a black sedan following her.

Police say the victim initially tried to evade the suspect vehicle before realizing she recognized the driver and stopped in Thorold to tell him to leave her alone.

The victim and the male suspect both got out of their vehicles and during a brief interaction, the man slapped the victim. Police say she then got in her car and left.

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About an hour later, the victim was at her home in Fort Erie when the male suspect from earlier, along with a second man, forced their way into her home.

Police say the victim was physically assaulted and threatened while the two suspects held her captive, not allowing her to leave. She was assaulted with a knife and had her cell phone smashed.

The two suspects eventually drove away in the black sedan and the victim was able to get help.

Police say the victim suffered minor physical injuries and did not require a hospital visit after being assessed by Niagara EMS.

On Wednesday, police say the primary male suspect was arrested in Lincoln.

Sadiek Elmi Said, 26, of Lincoln faces the following offences:

• Criminal Harassment
• Assault (2 Counts)
• Forcible Entry
• Forcible Confinement
• Assault with a Weapon
• Mischief Under $5000
• Utter Threats

The accused was held in custody pending a video bail hearing in St. Catharines.

The identity of the second suspect remains unknown at this time and police say they are working on a suspect description to share with the public.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009704.