A Saint John Police Force car. Image: Brad Perry

Saint John police say a 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault on the west side.

Just before 12:20 a.m. Friday, police were called to a break, enter and sexual assault in progress.

“A woman woke to a man in her home who sexually assaulted her,” police said in a news release on Friday.

“She was able to interrupt the assault and call the police.”

The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle but officers located him a short distance away within minutes.

Police said the woman recognized the suspect from previous contact.

“The victim did not sustain any life-threatening physical injuries. She was examined at hospital and later released,” said the release.

The suspect appeared in court on Friday where he was charged with break and enter and sexual assault.

He was held in jail for a scheduled bail hearing on Monday.

Police said no other details will be released, noting a public ban has been ordered preventing the release of any information that may identify the victim.