On July 6, at approximately 7:50 p.m., the Red Deer RCMP responded to a report of an attempted child abduction in the Oriole Park area of the city.
The incident involved a male suspect who approached a youth under the pretense of searching for a lost cat. The suspect offered the child money to assist in the search and attempted to lure the child away.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect's vehicle circling the area multiple times prior to the incident.
A concerned citizen observed the suspicious behavior, became alarmed, and intervened. When confronted, the suspect provided false information and fled the scene.
Red Deer RCMP General Duty and General Investigations Section (GIS), began an investigation which resulted in the arrest of one individual.
A search of the suspect’s vehicle, incidental to the arrest, revealed items consistent with an abduction attempt.
Aaron Verner Saville, a 38-year-old resident of Red Deer, has been charged with the following offences:
- Abduction of a person under 14
- Failure to comply with release order condition x4
Saville was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody.
He is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Aug. 2.
Red Deer RCMP would like to commend the member of public for their quick thinking and decisive action, and extend their sincere gratitude for their courage and vigilance.
“Actions like these exemplify the strong commitment and unity within our community, reminding us that we have all have a vital role in keeping each other safe” said Insp. Heidi Ravenhill.