Taxi driver facing additional sexual assault charge

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Investigators with the Sexual Assault Investigative Team of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division have charged a man in relation to a sexual assault that occurred on June 4 in Halifax. The same man was previously charged in relation to a separate sexual assault that occurred on July 9 in Halifax. 

At approximately 2:50 a.m. on July 9, Halifax Regional Police responded to a report that a taxi driver had kissed and touched a 20-year-old woman in a sexual manner without her consent. The victim and the taxi driver were located by HRP in the 1800 block of Barrington Street in Halifax a short time later, where the taxi driver was taken into custody without incident. As a result of the investigation, a 44-year-old Halifax man was charged with sexual assault.

During the investigation into this incident, investigators identified the same man as a suspect in a sexual assault that occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on June 4. In that incident, a man driving a taxi in the area of Grafton and Blowers Streets picked up a 25-year-old female passenger. While driving, the man touched the victim in a sexual manner before dropping her off at the requested destination. 

On August 16 at 1 p.m., investigators arrested 44-year-old Houssen Milad when he turned himself in at Police Headquarters on Gottingen Street. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 8 in relation to the July 9 incident and on September 27 to face an additional charge of sexual assault in relation to the June 4 incident.

Sexual assault investigations are very complex. As part of our victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to sexualized violence, we work closely with victims to ensure they’re willing to proceed with a police investigation, which includes giving a statement about the incident and providing a description of the suspect if possible. Police must also ensure the victim’s privacy is upheld and well-being is fully considered.

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