The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 37-year-old man in relation to a reported child abduction and sexual assault that took place in west Edmonton earlier this month.[No text in field]
On Wednesday, March 12, 2020, the EPS issued a media release seeking the public’s assistance identifying a suspect in a reported child abduction and sexual assault. The request for assistance was successful, leading to the arrest of Wade Stene, 37. He was taken into custody without incident at his residence in Edmonton on Saturday, March 21, 2020. He has since been remanded and is now facing several charges, including kidnapping, sexual assault with a weapon, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats, making child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Stene reportedly lived and worked in multiple locations in Alberta and British Columbia including Drayton Valley, Fort McMurray, Vernon and Kelowna. As a result, detectives are concerned there may be additional complainants in other jurisdictions. Police are releasing photos of Stene (see below) and are encouraging any additional complainants to come forward to their local police.
Stene is described as a white male, 6’2” tall and weighing approximately 150 lbs. He has short brown hair and hazel eyes. Stene may alternate between having facial hair and remaining clean shaven.
Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Stene is encouraged to contact their local police. If in Edmonton, please contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Background
On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, an eight-year-old female was walking home from a residence in the area of 144 Street and 110 Avenue at approximately 5:30 p.m. when she was approached by a vehicle. The male driver pulled her into the vehicle, sexually assaulted her and dropped her off nearby.
The girl immediately reported the incident to her parents, who were looking for her at the time. They subsequently contacted police. EMS also attended and transported the child to hospital where she was treated and then released.
Detectives do not believe the suspect and the child were known to one another.
