High-risk sex offender arrested twice by Langley RCMP in six days for trespass and break-and-enter
Michael Wayne Carpenter, deemed a significant danger to women and children, was arrested August 12 and again August 17 after police located him following a backyard intrusion and apartment break-in.
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A man deemed a high-risk sex offender has been arrested twice by Langley RCMP within six days for separate criminal offences.
Michael Wayne Carpenter was first arrested shortly before midnight on August 12 after a resident in the Willoughby area reported an unknown man in their backyard. RCMP located and arrested Carpenter, charging him with trespassing at night—a criminal code offence under Section 177 that specifically applies when a person loiters or prowls at night on another person's property near a dwelling house.
Carpenter was held in custody pending his court appearance but was subsequently released.
On Monday, August 17, Langley RCMP responded to a report of a residential break-and-enter at an apartment complex in the 19700-block of 64 Avenue. At approximately 1:21 p.m., a complainant reported finding an unknown man inside their residence. The man fled the apartment and the area. Officers identified and pursued a man matching the suspect's description, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service assisted in locating and detaining him.
Carpenter has been charged with break-and-enter and obstruction of a peace officer. He remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing on both matters.
In 2020, Vancouver Police issued a public notice about Carpenter following convictions for three counts of sexual assault with a weapon, three counts of forcible confinement, and three counts of uttering threats to cause death or harm. Those convictions relate to crimes committed in 2005 in Kamloops. According to the public notice, "Carpenter poses a risk of significant harm to the safety of vulnerable female children, youth, and adults."
Superintendent Harm Dosange, Officer in Charge of Langley RCMP, said: "Residents should never have to fear for their safety inside their own homes. These incidents are particularly alarming. Through the rapid response of our officers and the invaluable support of the Integrated Police Dog Services team, a suspect was quickly located and taken into custody."
Langley RCMP encourages anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in either area or has information relevant to the investigations to contact the detachment at 604-532-3200.
Why was Carpenter released after the August 12 arrest despite his high-risk classification?
Are there additional incidents police are investigating involving Carpenter between August 12 and August 17?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When was Michael Wayne Carpenter arrested in Langley?
Michael Wayne Carpenter was arrested twice: first on August 12, 2026, shortly before midnight in the Willoughby area, and again on August 17, 2026, at approximately 1:21 p.m. at an apartment complex in the 19700-block of 64 Avenue.
What crimes was Carpenter charged with?
Carpenter was charged with trespassing at night following the August 12 arrest, and with break-and-enter and obstruction of a peace officer following the August 17 arrest.
Why is Carpenter considered high-risk?
In 2020, Vancouver Police issued a public notice after Carpenter's convictions for three counts of sexual assault with a weapon, three counts of forcible confinement, and three counts of uttering threats to cause death or harm related to crimes committed in 2005 in Kamloops. The notice stated he poses a risk of significant harm to vulnerable female children, youth, and adults.
