DNA evidence has led to an arrest in connection with a series of violent sexual assaults that occurred in Lambton County, Kent County and the City of Sarnia more than 25 years ago.
Between March and August of 1997, four female victims, two youths and one adult, were taken by a man in a blue or red vehicle and sexually assaulted. The incidents took place in Thamesville, Sarnia, Sombra Township, Chatham, and Dover Township.
In all four cases, the assailant drove away after the assault, leaving each victim at the site of the attack.
Police at the time believed that the same person was responsible for the four incidents. However, despite extensive efforts and repeated public appeals, the identity of the suspect remained unknown for many years.
Through advancements in DNA technology, a forensic analysis was able to link the four cases to the same individual in 2024. Using investigative genetic genealogy, among other techniques, the OPP identified a suspect.
Following a multi-jurisdictional investigation known as Project Aerial, 52-year-old Jason Timothy Davidson was arrested on Sunday in Campbell River, British Columbia by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Vancouver Police Department, and OPP. He is now charged with three counts of sexual assault, four counts of forcible confinement, three counts of uttering threats, kidnapping, theft, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm and sexual assault with a weapon.
The British Columbia man was transferred back to Ontario on Monday, and he made a court appearance in Chatham on Wednesday.