Sexual assault suspect deemed societal threat returned to custody in Hamilton

A sexual assault suspect who was deemed a public threat and out on bail was returned to Hamilton police custody yesterday.

Earlier this month police issued a warning about the release of Leikeze Cheruiyot as they believed he remained a threat to the community.

On Thursday the Superior Court of Justice heard a bail review brought by the Crown. Following the review, the court revoked the 22-year-old’s bail and returned him to custody.

READ MORE: Hamilton police warn public after sexual assault suspect released on bail

After a nearly two-year-long investigation, Cheruiyot was extradited to Canada from the United States in November 2024 after being accused of multiple violent incidents that targeted vulnerable people.

In July 2022, officers say a woman was dragged off-trail and assaulted while walking in the area of Upper Paradise Road and Donnici Drive. She was allegedly gagged and her wrists were tied behind her back. Witnesses walking by the area interrupted the assault, causing the man to run away.

In August 2023, a 74-year-old woman was alone in her home in Hamilton’s West Mountain when an unknown man entered. The man allegedly assaulted her for over an hour before leaving.

In both cases, investigators were initially unable to identify a suspect. However, in January 2024, forensic evidence connected both assaults to Cheruiyot.

Anyone has additional information that could help in the investigations is asked to call Detective Constable Ben Kingdon or Crime Stoppers of Hamilton.

READ MORE: Hamilton resident being treated after exposure to rabid bat