Police say Alberta sex assault suspect may have victims in Okanagan

Police say a man charged in relation to an alleged child abduction and sexual assault in Edmonton also lived and worked in other places including Vernon and Kelowna.

And police say he may have had victims in other places.

The Edmonton Police Service has charged 37-year-old Wade Stene after seeking the public’s assistance identifying a suspect in a reported child abduction and sexual assault on March 12 in west Edmonton.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, an eight-year-old girl 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.

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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.

Stene was taken into custody without incident at his residence in Edmonton on Saturday. 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,” the EPS said. “As a result, detectives are concerned there may be additional complainants in other jurisdictions.”

Police have released photos of Stene and are encouraging any additional complainants to come forward to their local police.

Stene is described as a white male, 6-2 and weighing approximately 150 pounds. 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.