A Calgary man charged in the reported abduction of a 12-year-old boy in Airdrie remains in custody after his case was before court Thursday. Related Stories: RCMP name Calgary man charged in Airdrie child abduction Court records show Zain Alnoor Merchant, 37, of Calgary, was not present when his case was before Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on Aug. 21. Duty counsel appeared on his behalf, and the matter was adjourned to allow him to obtain legal representation. A warrant was issued to hold him in custody. A Criminal Code s. 486.4 publication ban prohibits the identification of the complainant. Merchant is scheduled to return to Airdrie court on Aug. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for Crown election. RCMP said the incident began on Aug. 18 at about 7:50 p.m. when the victim escaped from a vehicle at a red light and called 911. Investigators later determined that at least seven youth were involved in a “catch a predator” scheme, arranging a meeting with the suspect through Snapchat in the Coopers Crossing neighbourhood of Airdrie. One 12-year-old boy got into the vehicle voluntarily so the other youth could record the interaction. Police allege the suspect then drove away. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled southbound on Highway 2. Airdrie RCMP engaged Calgary Police Service, and with the assistance of the HAWCS helicopter, located the suspect vehicle at a residence in northeast Calgary. CPS arrested the suspect and turned him over to Airdrie RCMP. RCMP said they executed a search warrant at Merchant’s home and on his vehicle. Merchant is charged with abduction of a person under 14, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, kidnapping, forcible confinement, flight from a peace officer, and three counts of breaching a prohibition order. Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM. DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.