Violent sex offender who fled Canada being held on $100,000 bail in Seattle

Michael Stanley, a violent sex offender who recently fled Canada, appeared in a Seattle courtroom Wednesday morning.

He is now being held on a $100,000 bail. According to the Seattle Times, he appeared briefly via video feed.

Stanley is accused of harassment and another sexual assault.

According to Seattle Police, Stanley was arrested on Tuesday for harassment after he was seen and heard yelling in an alleyway in the downtown area. Shortly after he was arrested, police say a 16-year-old homeless boy told them the man they were arresting was the same man who had sexually assaulted him earlier.

According to the report police released on Tuesday, Stanley met the 16-year-old boy at a grocery store, started a conversation with him and then walked with him to an alley in the 2400-block of 44 Avenue SW. Police say in the alley, Stanley plied the teen with alcohol, grabbed him, and then sexually assaulted him.

The teenager pulled a knife on Stanley and was able to run away and contact police.

When police arrived just before 6 a.m. they found Stanley, who became aggressive with the officers and told them he had a knife.

Police say Stanley appeared to be intoxicated. They say he was carrying a small knife, a screwdriver, and pliers.

Stanley crossed from British Columbia into Washington State at the Blaine Border Crossing on the evening of Oct. 7.

He had been on the run since leaving Edmonton on Oct. 1 and cutting off his monitoring bracelet. Unconfirmed sightings of the Edmonton man led schools in several west-central Saskatchewan communities to lock their doors and keep children inside.

Stanley is charged with five counts of breach of recognizance, and one count each of mischief, driving without a valid driver’s licence, driving without registration, and driving without insurance.

The 48-year-old is considered to be a high-risk, violent sexual offender.

His next court hearing is scheduled for November 4.