Updated: Mon Nov. 02 2009 18:51:36

ctvwinnipeg.ca

Two young women were sent to hospital with non life-threatening injuries after being sexually assaulted by a Winnipeg man one of them met on the internet.

The victims, age 16 and 24, visited his residence in the Charleswood area of the city. He was the only person at home at the time, according to police.

The 24-year-old had been communicating with the suspect through a social networking website for four weeks prior to the incident, said Const. Jacqueline Chaput with the Winnipeg police.

According to officers, the man accused them of stealing property from him and prevented them from leaving the residence, threatening and seriously sexually assaulting both women.

The abuse took place between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., according to Chaput.

One of the victims was able to summon help by contacting a friend via the suspect's computer. Police were called to the apartment and heard the victims calling for help, says Chaput.

Officers had to force their way into the residence as the male suspect refused to let them in. The suspect was arrested and the victims were taken to hospital.

Oubay Ismail Chebib, 44, of Winnipeg was charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of forcible confinement. He has been detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.

The investigation is continuing at this time and further charges are anticipated.

Winnipeg police are reminding residents to be careful when communicating with unfamiliar individuals via the internet. People with questionable intentions have initiated relationships with unsuspecting victims in the past, according to officers.

If planning on meeting with someone, ensure it happens in a public place and you are not alone.

Additional information regarding internet safety can be found on the Winnipeg Police Service website at http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/TakeAction/internet_safety.stm