Police say man charged after Alberta youth launch 'catch a predator' scheme

Alberta RCMP say they have arrested and charged a Calgary man who, it was later determined, had been the focus of a ``catch a predator'' sting operation hatched by a group of youngsters.

Mounties say the situation came to light in Airdrie on Monday night when a 12-year-old boy was abducted in a car only to escape at a stoplight and call police.

The suspect, a 37-year-old, refused to stop for police and was later arrested at a Calgary residence. Subsequently, police said they learned the suspect had been targeted by at least seven youths in a ``catch a predator'' scheme.

The youths had arranged through social media a meeting with the suspect at a neighbourhood in Airdrie, which is on Calgary's northern outskirts.

They then recorded the 12-year-old voluntarily getting into the car as it then drove away.

The accused faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, sexual interference and forcible confinement.