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Update 1 - July 21, 2022

The investigation into the abduction and sexual assault of a Niagara Falls woman has been ongoing since being reported to the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) on July 20, 2022.

The investigation is being led by detectives from the NRPS Sexual Assault Unit.  They are being assisted by detectives from the Child Abuse Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, Homicide Unit, Forensic Service Unit, Special Investigative Services, Cyber Crime Unit, 2 District – Niagara Falls Detective Office, Crime Analysts, and 2 District uniform officers.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, on July 21, 2022, detectives attended a residence in the City of Niagara Falls.  Detectives identified the male suspect and located the truck used during the offence.  The suspect was arrested, and the truck held for forensic examination.

Richard McFarlen Morrow (23 years) of Niagara Falls has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:

  • Sexual Assault
  • Forcible Confinement
  • Assault Cause Bodily Harm
  • Utter Threats
  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Kidnapping
  • Overcoming Resistance
  • Robbery

Morrow is being held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines on July 21, 2022.

There is no ongoing threat to public safety.

The investigation remains ongoing by detectives. Detectives continue to look for the male motorist driving a white pickup truck who assisted the victim following the assault.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is being asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009167.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online  

2022-80305

 

Original Release - July 20, 2022

On July 20, 2022, at approximately 12:01am 2 District – Niagara Falls uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a report of an abduction / sexual assault in Niagara Falls.

Officers met with a female victim in her 20s.  The victim was treated by Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a local hospital. 

The initial investigation has determined that on July 19, 2022, at approximately 7:30pm the victim had been walking in the area of Drummond Road near the 420 Hwy.  She was approached on foot by an unknown man who had been driving a pickup truck. After a brief conversation he forced her into the truck.   The victim was taken to an unknown area possibly in Chippawa (City of Niagara Falls).  While being held against her will she was assaulted, and sexually assaulted. The victim suffered visible facial injuries.  The victim was able to escape on foot.  The victim waved down a passing male motorist in a white pickup truck who offered her assistance. The motorist drove the victim to a place of safety in the area of Frederica Street in Niagara Falls.  

Detectives from the NRPS Sexual Assault Unit have been assigned to the investigation.

The suspect is described as:

  • Male white
  • 20s
  • Muscular build
  • Blond hair slicked back into a “man bun”
  • Green eyes
  • 5’11ft. tall
  • Clean shaven
  • Dark clothes include capri style pants

As a result of the investigation detectives have reason to suspect the unknown assailant may have recently been involved in a relationship with a female that ended.

The investigation is in its early stages.  Detectives are trying to identify the suspect, and the male motorist who helped the victim.  Detectives are appealing to any witnesses who may have been in the area of the abduction to come forward.  Anyone who may have information about this incident is being asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009167.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online            

Anyone (residents or businesses) in the area of the incident with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity for the period between 6:30pm to 11:59pm on July 19, 2022.

2022-80305