Cops hunt 'unbelievable' harassment suspect

Ottawa police have issued an urgent public appeal to locate a man wanted for stalking an Ottawa woman with more than 2,000 "sexually degrading and threatening" phone calls during the last three years.

Police have issued a Canada-wide arrest for John Perry, 39, who was charged earlier this month with criminal harassment. His last contact with police was in Abbotsford, B.C. in November 2006.

However, the 40-year-old victim has received threatening phone calls in the last few days and police allege Perry is the caller.

"He has an unbelievable obsession with the victim," said city police Det. Jeff Kelly.

While police say the there's no evidence the suspect has ever physically stalked his victim - whom he met through mutual acquaintances - Kelly said the victim is "very concerned for her personal safety and wellbeing."

"Locating him is a high priority. His behaviour is extremely troubling," said Kelly, adding the nature of the phone calls are among the most disturbing he's seen in his 28-year career.

Police allege Perry started harassing the Ottawa woman in 2004. Police have being trying to track him down since Aug. 17 when the latest spate of threatening calls began.

Police say Perry often travels across the country due to his work and has contacts in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Abbotsford, B.C.

Perry is described as white, 6'3" (191 cm), 190lbs (86 kg) with a receding hairline.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact Det. Jeff Kelly, Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222 ext. 5959 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS (8477).