Man strangled while praying alone at Sarnia, Ont., church, police say
Victim, 23, suffered non-life-threatening injuries from a ligature used in the attack
Police say they've charged a man for allegedly trying to strangle another man who was praying alone at a Sarnia, Ont., church.
Authorities say it happened around 7 p.m. Saturday at a place of worship at Christina Street and London Road.
The victim, who's 23, was able to break free and flee the church, to call for help, according to police. He was treated in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The accused is from the southwestern Ontario border city and is 38 years old. He's charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, mischief and uttering threats.
"While praying, he was approached from behind by an unknown male," police said in an online statement.
"Unexpectedly, the male placed a ligature around his neck and attempted to strangle him."
Police say their investigation also revealed the accused tried to remove a security camera.
He eventually turned himself in.
They say the motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, they believe the accused was inebriated at the time.