Victim locked in vacant house, sexually assaulted at gunpoint by two people: police

Two people have been arrested in connection with a disturbing sexual abuse case that left one victim hospitalised with serious injuries.

The investigation began around 5:50 p.m. on July 20, when Sault police were dispatched to a vacant home in the 900 block of Wellington Street East.

According to police, the victim was walking near Allard Street and Chapple Avenue earlier that day when they were approached by two people: one known to them, the other unknown.

According to police, the victim was forced to walk with the couple.

“At Bruce Street, the second suspect pushed the victim to the ground and the first suspect attacked and sexually assaulted them,” according to a press release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. “The two suspects then forced the victim into a vacant residence in the 900 block of Wellington Street East where they again attacked and assaulted them with and without a firearm, burned them and verbally threatened them.”

According to police, the victim was also burned and verbally threatened.

“The victim was able to escape and seek help when the two suspects fell asleep,” the press release said. “The victim sustained serious physical injuries and was taken to the hospital.”

Kain Bourck, 35, was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple offenses, including assault with a restricted or prohibited firearm and forcible confinement. Four days later, while still in custody, Bourck was charged with additional offenses, including two counts of assault, overcoming resistance by attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle, and uttering threats.

That same day, July 24, police arrested the second suspect — 35-year-old Melissa Favaro — near Wellington Street West and John Street. She is charged with:

• Sexual assault using a restricted or prohibited firearm
• Unauthorized possession of firearm
• Forced confinement
• Sexual Abuse x2
• Attack with weapon
• Raid
• Overcome resistance by trying to choke, suffocate or strangle
• Making threats to cause death or bodily harm

Both suspects remain in custody. None of the charges have been tested in court and both are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.