Red Deer Justice Centre (Image Credit: Josh Hall/rdnewsNOW)

By Sheldon Spackman

July 2024 Incident

Charges stayed against Red Deer man accused in alleged attempted child abduction

Feb 23, 2026 | 2:26 PM

Charges have been stayed against a Red Deer man accused in an alleged attempted child abduction nearly two years ago. 

Aaron Verner Saville, 39, had his charges stayed in Red Deer Court of King’s Bench on Jan. 21, 2026, and was ordered for discharge. 

According to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS), the Crown prosecutor assessed all the available evidence in the matter and due to the unavailability of a key witness, it was determined there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction. As such, the charges were stayed. 

It was on July 6, 2024, when it was reported to Red Deer RCMP that a male suspect approached a youth in the Oriole Park area, under the guise of searching for a lost cat. It was alleged the suspect offered the child money for assistance in the search and appeared to attempt to lead the child away. 

Mounties said other residents reported that they saw the suspect circle the area in their vehicle multiple times before the incident occurred. Officers say a concerned citizen observed the behaviour, became alarmed, and intervened. The suspect then allegedly provided false information and fled. 

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An investigation conducted by the Red Deer RCMP General Duty and General Investigations Section led to the arrest of Aaron Verner Saville, a resident of Red Deer. 

He was charged with abduction of a person under 14, and four counts of failure to comply with a release order condition. 

Officers say they found items consistent with an abduction attempt in the suspect’s vehicle after their arrest. 

The suspect was brought before a justice of the peace and was remanded into custody.  

Red Deer RCMP commended the member of the public who intervened for their quick thinking and decisive action.  

“Actions like these exemplify the strong commitment and unity within our community, reminding us that we all have a vital role in keeping each other safe” said Insp. Heidi Ravenhill, in a media release, shortly after the arrest. 

Related: Red Deer RCMP arrest male after attempted child abduction