Canada-wide warrant issued for sex offender who abducted Sparwood boy in 2011

In September 2011, Hopley broke into a home in Sparwood, British Columbia and abducted a three-year-old boy, only to return him four days later physically unharmed.

Hopley was apprehended on the Alberta side of the B.C.-Alberta border and served six years in prison. He was released in late 2018 under a 10-year supervision order to a residential facility in Vancouver, with extensive restrictions. In January, 2023, Hopley was arrested for allegedly breaching his conditions, but was released on bail. He was due to appear in court Monday, November 6.

The father of the boy abducted in Sparwood has said he is incredulous that Hopley could walk away from the Vancouver halfway house.

In a written statement, Paul Hebert, who now resides in Alberta, said police did not notify him or his family that Hopley went missing. Hebert believes the “justice system isn’t working” if it allows Hopley to be placed in a situation where walking away was a possibility.

Hopley is described as 5’9” and 176 lbs, with brown hair and hazel-coloured eyes. Police said he was last seen wearing a black coat, black pants and a black hat.

The Vancouver Police Department is asking those with information on Hopley’s whereabouts to contact 911 immediately.

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by LNN Staff with files from The Canadian Press

Canada-wide warrant issued for sex offender who abducted Sparwood boy in 2011

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