Downtown Clinton, Ontario. Normally a quiet and peaceful place, the tranquility was shattered on Tuesday afternoon when a 31-year-old man allegedly tried to inappropriately touch four different women in less than half an hour.

“This happens outside of some companies and within companies in this field. I believe this is just a crime of opportunity. I can’t comment on this individual’s mental health or if he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time,” said Huron OPP Const. . Craig Soldan.

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The random sexual assault in broad daylight occurred early Sunday morning, less than 72 hours after three teenagers were stabbed at a 16th birthday party in Clinton (opens a new tab).

“Two isolated cases. Other individuals. Completely separate series of events,” Soldan said.

The two violent incidents shocked Huron County.

“Absolutely, absolutely. Typically in a rural area, we’re not a high-crime area,” said Jim Ginn, the mayor of Mid-Huron Township.

The 31-year-old Central Huron man who allegedly carried out the attack faces 16 charges, including four counts of sexual assault, one count of assault, one count of mischief, one count of disorderly conduct and eight counts of failure to comply with probation and theft under $5,000.

Police are looking for video footage of other potential victims or members of the public.

While locals are certainly concerned, they are quick to point out that this level of random violence and frequency of attacks is the exception rather than the rule in Clinton.

“Especially the city of Clinton, we moved the OPP station to the city a few years ago. “So crime is by no means rampant in our small town, so this is alarming,” Jean said.

“Two isolated cases. Clinton is a very safe place to live and work and wants people to feel safe and secure. In both cases, two people were detained. They remain in custody and I want people to feel safe , and make sure they live their lives as usual,” Soldan said.