A man suspected of abducting and sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in Canmore, Alberta has been arrested in Whistler.

The suspect, 37-year-old Jorge Betancourt, was located in Whistler yesterday following a warrant for his arrest being issued by the Canmore RCMP.

"On February 16th, Whistler RCMP received report of a possible suspect wanted in the attempted abduction of an 8-year-old girl in Canmore, Alberta," said Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair. "Extensive search of the area was conducted and while we were searching the village on foot, a possible sighting on London Lane in Creekside was reported.

"Members of Whistler RCMP attended the area and located the male and he was arrested without incident and will be transferred to Alberta."

According to LeClair, the suspect was located shortly before 2 p.m.

"It was a concern that he was here and we wanted to arrest him before any offences were committed," said LeClair, noting that the suspect was considered a risk. "The fact that he was suspected of an offence in Alberta that hadn't been dealt with, we wanted to get out there right away and find him."

Betancourt is being charged with one count each of abduction, and Invitation to Sexual Touching.

According to a statement issued by the Canmore RCMP, "The male is alleged to have physically pulled an 8-year-old female child into a washroom of a public building in Canmore and then committed the act of verbal inviting a sexual act. The young girl managed to run from the washroom, and although quite shaken by the incident was not physically harmed at all."

The statement also notes that Betancourt is currently on release conditions imposed from an unrelated offense.

LeClair said that the suspect remains in Whistler RCMP's holding cells today and will be transported by sheriffs to Alberta shortly.