RED DEER, Alta. — A central Alberta man had fantasized about kidnapping a female for two weeks before he made his move on a 16-year-old girl and sexually assaulted her over two days, says a Crown prosecutor.

Gerard Baumgarte, 57, was visibly upset Tuesday as he pleaded to six charges, including impersonating a police officer and assault with a weapon, in Red Deer court.

Crown prosecutor Orest Yereniuk told court Baumgarte made his move on Feb. 26.

The girl, who cannot be named, was driving home at about 9:40 p.m. after taking a quick trip to a nearby convenience store in Penhold.

Posing as a police officer, Baumgarte pulled the young driver over just outside her home. His car was equipped with red and blue flashing lights.

He told the girl he was going to write her a ticket because the licence plate on her vehicle was expired.

Baumgarte asked the girl to get into the car. Once inside, he pulled a knife and cut her cheek, Yereniuk said.

He tied her up and also put ski goggles, which had been painted black, on her face.

Baumgarte then put the girl in the trunk of his vehicle and took her to his residence in north Red Deer.

She was confined for two days and during that time he sexually assaulted her several times, Yereniuk said.

The girl's disappearance sparked a police manhunt and prompted friends, family and strangers to hold candlelight vigils in the community.

Baumgarte released the girl and gave her some money so she could call her parents from a Red Deer shopping mall.

Baumgarte was arrested the next day while driving in Red Deer.

There was no immediate word on when Baumgarte is to be sentenced, but the charges he pleaded guilty to carry a maximum penalty of life in jail.