17-year-old charged with violent Lethbridge sexual assault

WARNING: The following article contains graphic content. Discretion is strongly advised.

LETHBRIDGE – Police have charged a 17-year-old boy in connection to a horrifically violent sexual assault over the weekend.

Officers were called to a house in the 2100 block of Palm Road South just before 5 a.m. on Sunday for reports of a sexual assault.

Investigators say a 45-year-old woman was asleep in the home, when someone broke in through the patio door and began sexually assaulting her.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The suspect dragged the victim outside where he continued to sexually assault her, and then cut her throat with a knife. She was rushed to hospital where she underwent surgery, and remains in serious but stable condition.

Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with several offences including aggravated sexual assault and unlawful confinement.

Police say he is an acquaintance of the victim’s family, but that the victim didn’t know him.

It’s possible an attempted murder charge may also be laid.

“We have had some consultation and some discussion with a Crown prosecutor and we’re continuing to move forward on that,” said Woods. “We’re just waiting on a few things regarding medical information and some of our forensic stuff coming back. That’s definitely something we’re considering.”

The accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.