Lethbridge man charged in alleged kidnapping, sexual assault of woman

A sign on Lethbridge Police Service headquarters is pictured in Lethbridge, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

A Lethbridge man is facing a string of charges after the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman last week.

Police say the victim was pulled into a vehicle, held against her will and sexually assaulted before she managed to escape.

The attack happened at the Park ‘n’ Ride terminal in the 700 block of Fifth Avenue South at 11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The victim told police she saw a red car she thought belonged to a friend.

“As she leaned down to look inside, she observed an unknown male driver, who proceeded to grab her arm and pull her into the vehicle through the open passenger window,” police said in a Monday news release.

“The victim screamed and the vehicle began driving away.”

The vehicle continued travelling, but the victim managed to get out near the Castle Apartments in the 200 block of Second Avenue South.

“The woman was able to grab the keys, causing the vehicle to hit the curb,” police said.

“She subsequently threw them out the window. A male bystander, who heard her screaming, approached the vehicle and let her out before the driver fled the area.”

Investigators were able to locate a suspect and arrested him without incident.

Dwight Joe Sam Wadsworth is charged with sexual assault, kidnapping, unlawful confinement and assault.

Anyone with more information about the incident or who may have seen the accused’s vehicle – a 2003 red Pontiac Grand Am – by the Park ‘n’ Ride between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Oct. 2 is asked to call police at 403-328-4444.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.