Calgary Man Faces Charges After Attempted Child Abduction

A Calgary man has been charged with multiple offences related to an attempted child abduction involving a 12-year-old boy, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, when the victim escaped from the suspect’s vehicle while it was stopped at a red light in Airdrie, Alberta.

At approximately 19:50, Airdrie RCMP received a 911 call reporting the incident. Officers quickly located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver fled southbound on Highway 2. Assistance from the Calgary Police Service, including the use of the HAWCS police helicopter, aided in tracking down the suspect at a residence in northeast Calgary. The suspect, a 37-year-old male whose identity is protected under a publication ban, was arrested and transferred to Airdrie RCMP custody.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had interacted with at least seven youths as part of a “catch a predator” scheme. These youths had arranged a meeting through the social media platform Snapchat. During this meeting, one of the youths, the 12-year-old boy, voluntarily entered the suspect’s vehicle while others recorded the interaction. It was at this point that the suspect drove away with the child.

A search warrant executed by the RCMP on both the suspect’s residence and vehicle led to the discovery of evidence supporting the charges. The man faces a total of seven charges related to the kidnapping of a minor and fleeing from police. These charges include abduction of a person under 14, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and flight from a peace officer.

Following a bail hearing, the accused has been remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in the Airdrie’s Alberta Court of Justice on July 6, 2023. The case highlights growing concerns regarding child safety and the risks posed by online interactions among youths. The police have urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities closely and educate them about potential dangers.