Search for high-risk offender intensifies in Alberta

After enduring heightened safety measures at a series of Saskatchewan schools, RCMP are now turning their attention to Lethbridge in their search for high risk sex offender Michael Sean Stanley.

Lethbridge Regional Police confirmed Stanley was in the City of Lethbridge on Friday, and they have recovered the purple Chevrolet Blazer he had been driving. Police are advising of Stanley’s potential presence in southern Alberta, but without a recent confirmed sighting his current whereabouts remains unknown.

While the search for Stanley continues, schools across the Chinook School Division will remain under a heightened awareness status. Schools will have extra supervision and RCMP will continue increased police patrols around the schools until Stanley is located.

Beechy School, which is located in the Sun West School Division, was under a ‘ hold and secure’ situation on Monday following an unconfirmed sighting of Stanley near the community of Beechy on Friday.

However, the Lethbridge Police have since confirmed he had been in Lethbridge at that time.

Over the weekend RCMP received more than 25 reports of possible sightings of Stanley, or his vehicle, from across Saskatchewan. However, none of the reported sightings have been confirmed, and several have been proven to the false.

The Chinook School Division had taken direction from the RCMP in implementing increased precautions and supervision this past Friday at the Leader Composite School, Burstall School and Fox Valley School. The School Division also communicated with all Chinook schools, which were on a “heightened awareness” last week as a precautionary measure, with school personnel being extra vigilant in watching the children.

As of Monday morning, there were no indications from the RCMP suggesting that Stanley is in or near communities in the Southwest. The Chinook School Division website noted that specific schools will be notified immediately if Stanley is reported to be in a particular area, and the division will provide updates to all schools as needed.

However, as an additional precaution, the Chinook School Division postponed their participation in Wednesday’s planned International Walk to School Day activities.

RCMP have advised that they will be increasing police patrols around Southwest schools until the offender is located.

“Chinook has ongoing communication with the RCMP and will inform families if we are advised to alert any of our schools in southwest Saskatchewan,” a statement on the Chinook School Division website (www.chinooksd.ca) noted. “We want to reassure our school communities that we will promptly put measures in place as necessary, based on information and advice from the RCMP.”

As an additional precaution, RCMP are reminding parents to speak to their children about overall safety.

On Oct. 3 schools in both Kindersley and Rosetown took precautions after reported sightings in their communities.

Stanley, 48 years old, is described as Metis, 5’9”, 190 lbs, black hair and brown eyes. He may be driving a purple 1996 Chevrolet Trail Blazer with a possible Alberta plate BHD1954.

Police advise the public not to approach Stanley if he is located, as he has a violent disposition.

If Stanley is spotted the RCMP are advising the public to phone 911.