LONGUEUIL – A group of softball players were honoured Wednesday night for their role in helping a sexual assault victim in Greenfield Park.
The players were on the field at René-Veillet Park last week when they heard a girl’s screams in the distance.
“I just took off running, I have a little sister, nothing went through my mind, I just took off,” Michael Doonan told Global News Wednesday.
Another player, Kyle Boutler, said he was “shocked and disturbed” by what he saw.
READ MORE: Suspect charged after teen assaulted in park bathroom in Greenfield Park
When the men arrived at the other side of the field they found a young girl crying outside a bathroom ,and a suspect pulling up his pants nearby.
“It was a true act of bravery and heroism,” Greenfield Park city councillor Wade Wilson said.
“They protected a girl and caught the assailant. Greenfield Park is a close knit community and this is a perfect example of it.”
At a ceremony held at the park Wednesday, the Bro Softball League was presented with a plaque recognizing the players’ heroic efforts.
“I don’t think I’m a hero, because behind me was 40 of my teammates,” Doonan said after the ceremony.
“They were right behind me, I just got there faster.”
Thanks to the humble softball players’ act, a 37-year-old suspect was arrested.
Yanik Toupin was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and confinement.