Police charge male in connection with stalking incident

Lethbridge Police have charged a 51-year-old male in connection with an incident where a female was followed by a male in a vehicle who attempted to get her inside. 

On the evening of June 25, a 47-year-old woman was walking in the area of the 1000 block of 3 Avenue North when she observed an unknown male in a truck drive past her. The male circled around, returned to the woman’s location and the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to solicit her. The female continued walking and the male became angry when she would not enter his vehicle. As she proceeded, he resumed following her in his truck. Fearing for her safety, she attended a nearby business to seek help. The male parked at the business while the female was inside, but left the area just prior to police arrival. He was later located, found to have outstanding warrants, and arrested without incident. 

James Alfred Finch, 51, of Wetaskiwin, is charged with criminal harassment and watching and besetting. Finch is remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court August 18.  

Following further investigation, police have evidence to believe this was not an isolated incident and there may be additional, unidentified victims. As part of an ongoing investigation, police are releasing a photo of Finch and his vehicle, a 1999 silver Ford F150 with a dark topper, in an effort to encourage unidentified victims to come forward. 

Anyone who has been victimized, or has information that could assist investigators, is asked to call police at 403-328-4444 and reference file 25011411.