CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Local man charged with kidnapping

Jan 18, 2023 | 3:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A Medicine Hat man has been charged with kidnapping a woman after she responded to an employment opportunity posted on social media.

According to the Medicine Hat Police Service, they responded to a call on Jan. 14 from a woman who reported she had been confined to a vehicle and driven into a secluded area against her will. The woman was able to exit the vehicle she was travelling in with the accused as it slowed on Saamis Drive NW (old Redcliff Highway) and called 911.

Police say officers responded immediately and found the woman walking in the same area. Based on the information provided by the woman a suspect vehicle and the male accused were located a short time later.

Investigation revealed that the woman had arranged to be picked up by the accused in Medicine Hat after responding to a request posted by the accused on social media for house cleaning services. The man, who lives in Medicine Hat, and the complainant are not believed to have been known to one another before this incident.

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After consultation with the Crown Prosecutors Office, Medicine Hat police have charged Lester Landry, 65, with one count of kidnapping.

In an facebook post, Landry addressed the charges saying ” I’m sure some of you and soon most of you will know I have been charged with “kidnapping” as with any charge it is serious. I hope people understand I cannot get into the facts of the case, but they are and will be disputed. I will say, I am 95% wheelchair bound and it would be almost impossible for me to hold anyone against their will.”

Landry is not in custody, can’t contact the victim and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court on Feb. 28.

NOTE: This story has been updated to correct where Lester Landry lives.