A 44-year-old Edmonton man has been charged with several offences in relation to the abduction of a 7-year-old girl Sunday morning.

The suspect was arrested without incident just before 5 a.m. Monday in a residence in the Hermatige community.

Danial Todd Gratton, 44, has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, kidnapping, abduction of a person under 14, and administering a noxious substance.

The accused, who was on parole, is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Gratton was arrested without incident inside a north Edmonton home early Monday morning, police say.

A dark blue Jeep Cherokee matching the description of the suspect's vehicle is also in police custody.

Meanwhile, the family of the girl said she is doing well despite going through a traumatizing ordeal less than 24 hours ago.

A relative of the victim said the family is extremely happy the girl is home safe and sound.

"It's more than unbelievable," he said. "There's a lot to be thankful for. She's happy, she's alive. That's what matters most."

Officers said the girl was kidnapped near her family's home at around 11 a.m. Sunday.

Investigators learned the suspect was forced to abandon her at a restaurant a few hours later after a gas station employee became suspicious.

Witnesses tell CTV News the girl was dropped off holding $10 and a note saying she needed to be brought back to Edmonton and given something to eat and drink.

Police would not confirm whether the girl was given any drugs during her abduction. But the family says they are relieved the girl was let go after being held for only a few hours.

CTV Edmonton reported that the suspect was driving a blue SUV and asked the girl, who was playing with her brothers, to come to his vehicle to look at some kittens.

After the young girl stepped inside the vehicle and the man drove off, the girl's brothers alerted their parents.

Police quickly issued an Amber Alert and the girl was found around three hours later at a service station in Evansburg, Alta, about 100 kilometres west of Edmonton.

The province reacts

Speaking to reporters Monday, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach admitted the recent attacks have left his constituents restless.

"Albertans want to feel safe in the community, not only be safe, but feel safe," he said. "They're not feeling that today."

His comments come after Sunday's attack, as well as the shocking slaying of a 14-year-old girl on an Edson path on Sept. 27.

Stelmach also added he hopes the success of the Amber Alert will ward off future attacks.

"It looks like it's worked and maybe this kind of very aggressive, good solid program on our behalf will push back and some of these people who prey on others will leave this province and go some place else," he said.

Schools across Edmonton also spent time during the day to remind students of how to react if a stranger approaches them.