Man charged with taking son will return to Canada

GREAT FALLS (AP) — A man arrested in Whitefish after fleeing British Columbia with his 3-year-old son has reversed himself and says he will willingly return to Canada.

Robert Barnett initially requested extradition and bail hearings after he was arrested on Nov. 16 for allegedly kidnapping his son, Alvin, during a supervised visit.

Barnett was arrested in Whitefish after a resident there heard about an Amber Alert issued for the boy.

Barnett faces charges in Canada of abduction and theft of more than $5,000.

Barnett’s attorney said during a hearing Tuesday that his client had reconsidered his opposition to extradition.

Federal public defender Hank Branom said Barnett believes he has a legitimate claim to his child’s custody and the matter must be resolved in Canada.