Charges have been formally laid against a 43-year-old Nanaimo man suspected of assaulting of a 29-year-old woman.
Timothy James Wyslouzil has been charged with forcible confinement, administer noxious thing, aggravated sexual assault and overcome resistance by attempting to choke.
The charges stem from an attack against the woman, who police said was giving Wyslouzil a ride home following a social function in north Nanaimo early Wednesday.
Police allege Wyslouzil punched and choked the victim for several minutes and attempted to force her to drive to a secluded location.
The victim suffered multiple injuries, but was able to flee her attacker and call police.
Wyslouzil's next scheduled court appearance is set for Friday (May 9) at 10 a.m. A publication ban has been issued in the case.