Gatineau bus driver accused of sexual assault against passenger with special needs

Abderrahim Khoumita. (Gatineau Police)

Gatineau police have arrested a 48-year-old bus driver for allegedly sexually assaulting a passenger with special needs.

Police say they received a complaint that a “person living with an intellectual disability” had been the victim of sexual touching in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, officers arrested Abderrahim Khoumita, 48, from Gatineau.

Police say Khmoutia was a minibus driver for the para transportation service Autobus Citadelle and worked as a subcontractor with the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) at the time of the incident.

Police have reason to believe there may be other victims.

“The SPVG has information to the effect that the alleged victims of Abderrahim Khoumita could be people in vulnerable situations including people living with a physical and/or intellectual disability,” police said in a French news release.

The suspect appeared in court on Tuesday to face charges of sexual assault. He was released on conditions that he not communicate, meet or be in the presence of the victim.

He is also forbidden from accepting any paid or unpaid work involving people with disabilities.

Police say some victims may have difficulty speaking out because of their condition or may be hesitant to file a complaint. Police have not ruled out victims who are not described as having special needs.

Anyone who has witnessed or been a victim of sexual assault is asked to contact the Gatineau police by calling the “Info” line at 819-243-4636, extension 5.