Strathcona assault: accused Caleb Heaton has violent criminal record

The man charged with a brutal sexual assault on a woman in Vancouver's Strathcona neighbourhood last week has at least 40 criminal convictions in Ontario, including aggravated assault, break and enter and possession of a weapon.

Caleb Heaton, 25, was arrested on Thursday and is facing seven charges in connection with the alleged attack on March 26. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Meanwhile Const. Brian Montague said 20 investigators continue to work on the case. Some attempted to reassure residents at a public meeting in the neighbourhood, Tuesday night.

"We brought in a clinical psychologist to explain it is normal to be feeling uneasy, but those feelings will subside," said Montague.

More than 100 residents showed up at the public meeting, including Kati Moore, who said safety is big concern for her.

"I have a two-year-old, and I am home with her seven days a week by myself and I just want to make sure I can still feel safe, that is why we live here."

"I think that when knowledge is power and to make sure I know what's going on and what steps are being taken to make things safer for me and for her. She's probably going to grow up here, so I just want to make sure she has a safe place to grow up and enjoy her childhood," said Moore.

Community fundraising efforts have already raised $40,000 to support the victim of the attack. She was hospitalized after the attack. Police say she has since been released from hospital.