Man charged with alleged abduction of five-year-old girl also faces unrelated sexual assault charges

A man charged with allegedly abducting a five-year-old girl in west Edmonton over the weekend also faces two unrelated charges of sexual assault, dating back to last year.

Police say a man approached the girl Saturday night while she was riding her bicycle with her older brother.

The girl did not know the man, who allegedly took hold of the bike's handle bars and led her away from the area, police said. The incident happened at about 8:15 p.m. near157th Street and 99th Avenue.

The girl's older brother ran to a nearby residence, police said,where he alerted afamily member.

When family members took chase, the suspect fled the area.

The little girl was found minutes later, about one block away. She was safe and unharmed.

Police soon located a suspect and made an arrest.

"This young man followed his instincts and certainly did the right thing by running home and notifying family members immediately," said Det. ManuelIllnerwith the Edmonton police Child Protection Section.

"I encourage all parents to talk to their children about what to do in the event they are approached by a stranger."

Detectives from the child protection unit continue to investigate.

Dusty Greg Chalifoux, 37,is charged withabducting a child under 14 years of ageandbreaching recognizance.

Chalifoux also faces two unrelated charges of sexual assault in relation to incidents that occurred in October and November.

He appeared in court all charges Tuesday morning.