‘To Catch a Predator' scheme allegedly ended in Alberta child abduction: RCMP
A Calgary man has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged child abduction in Airdrie earlier this week.
Airdrie RCMP responded to reports of an abduction just before 8 p.m. on Monday.
Investigators say the victim, a 12-year-old boy, escaped from a vehicle after it stopped at a red light, then calling 911.
Officers located the vehicle believed to be involved shortly, and though they attempted to stop it, RCMP say the driver continued heading south on Highway 2.
RCMP, with help from Calgary police and the HAWCS helicopter, were able to locate the vehicle in northeast Calgary, taking a suspect into custody.
In a Wednesday news release, RCMP said the investigation revealed at least seven youth had attempted a To Catch a Predator-style scheme where they allegedly arranged a meeting with the suspect through Snapchat.
'One 12-year-old male got into the suspect's vehicle voluntarily so that the other youth could record the interaction,' RCMP said. 'This is when the suspect drove away.'
The accused, a 37-year-old from Calgary, faces charges of abduction, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and flight from a police officer, among others.
He cannot be named due to a publication ban.
RCMP say he has been remanded into custody and will appear in court on Thursday.
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