SEATTLE — Seattle police and U.S. Marshals have found a violent sex offender who fled Canada last week and entered Washington state, but Canada has declined to extradite him and local police cannot arrest him. However, they say they cannot take him into custody because Canada isn't asking for his return to the country.
Police say that on Oct. 7 he crossed into Washington at the Blaine border crossing.
"That is correct," Whitcomb said. "He's not committed a crime here in the United States."
Sgt. Sean Whitcomb of the Seattle Police Department said police cannot arrest him because Canada is not asking for his extradition.
"So you're saying it doesn't matter how dangerous he is, you cannot legally arrest him?" KIRO 7 asked.
"This is their problem," resident Tina Gunn said. "They let this guy get away. So they shouldn't be able to say, 'We don't want him back.'"
"Does this require specific resources diverted to keeping track of him now?" KIRO 7 asked.
"It's certainly a case that we hadn't planned on accepting, especially one that's this significant," Whitcomb said.
"Are you talking about thousands of dollars to track this offender?" KIRO 7 asked.
"I can't put a price tag on it," Whitcomb said.
"Hours of officers' time?"
"Certainly hours," he said.
Police are urging people to cautious and watchful in downtown Seattle. They hope Canadian authorities change their minds, but for now, Stanley is Seattle's problem.
Alberta authorities said Stanley's offense of cutting off his ankle bracelet, which was a violation of an order, is not a criminal charge, so it can't ground an extradition.
"If Michael Stanley returns to Canada, we remain prepared to prosecute him and to ensure that he continues to be subject to an order to protect the public," the statement said.