Charges were laid Tuesday against a St. John's resident in connection with one of a series of sexual assaults that triggered a police warning to women.

Sofyan Boalag, 33, has been charged with attacking a woman early Sunday morning.

RNC Const. Steve Curnew said Boalag was taken into custody by police at about 5 p.m. Monday on Topsail Road.

He said Boalag was also charged with resisting arrest after he became combative as officers tried to apprehend him. As well, Boalag has been charged with possessing items obtained in the commission of an offence, including things taken from someone other than the woman attacked on Sunday.

Information sworn at provincial court states Boalag is accused of using a knife in the attack on Sunday. He's also accused of trying to choke or strangle the victim.

Could face more charges

Boalag has not been charged in connection with four other sexual assaults in the past two months, but Curnew said that could change.

"We have reason to believe he could be possibly connected with the other four," said Curnew. "And this is part of our ongoing investigation."

Curnew also thanked the women who came forward to report the assaults, which led to the poilce investigation.

"We realize how hard it is for them to do such a thing, a number of these incidents go unreported," said Curnew. "Their willingness to do so has made our community a safer place."