EDMONTON – The Lethbridge Regional Police issued a warning to the public on Monday afternoon because they believe Michael Sean Stanley, 48, a high-risk, violent, sexual offender, could be in southern Alberta.
Police say Stanley poses a risk of significant harm to the community and has a long history of sexual offences against women and children.
In a news release, Lethbridge police explained Stanley has familial ties to Lethbridge. On Monday, members of the Lethbridge Regional Police High Risk Offenders (HRO) Unit found a purple Chevrolet Blazer that Stanley had been driving.
The vehicle was seized from a west side home. Police have now confirmed that Stanley was in Lethbridge on Oct. 4, but his current whereabouts is unknown.
Lethbridge police, in partnership with the Edmonton Police Service, continue to investigate and are advising the public to be aware of Stanley’s potential presence in southern Alberta.
“We’re asking the public to look at Mr. Stanley’s photo, be aware that he may still be in the city and call police immediately if they see him,” said Kristen Harding, LRPS Executive Officer. “Mr. Stanley poses a significant risk to the community and we are advising everyone to be vigilant about their safety, but not to take any vigilante action.”
This warning comes after several unconfirmed sightings of Stanley in Saskatoon over the weekend.
The Saskatoon Police Service says the latest came from a woman who believes she saw 48-year-old Michael Sean Stanley on Sunday by the South Saskatchewan River in Victoria Park.
A thorough search of the park and area was conducted, but police say it was reported an hour after the sighting.
Saskatoon police were quick to say this can often happen when an offender’s picture is circulated frequently in the media, but it doesn’t mean the sightings aren’t being taken seriously.
There have been multiple unconfirmed sightings of Stanley around the province including several last Thursday in Rosetown and Kindersley.
RCMP have also said some reported sightings have turned out to be false.
He had been living in Edmonton for the last two years after serving a 32-month jail term for assault and forcible confinement.
The Edmonton Police Service said Stanley was employed and had been meeting regularly with police up until going off the radar earlier this week.
Stanley left Edmonton in Tuesday and removed his electronic monitoring bracelet in Lloydminster, Sask. leading to temporary school lockdowns in the border city.
Several schools in western Saskatchewan were also placed in a “hold and secure” mode on Thursday and Friday.
Stanley is described as Métis, 5’9″, 190 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to immediately contact their local police detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The Lethbridge Regional Police can be reached at 403-328-4444. In an emergency, call 911.
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