Two suspects in custody, one at large after Manitoulin Island man abducted
Police on Manitoulin Island are investigating after a 27-year-old man was assaulted by two male suspects before being forced into a black pickup truck in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Thursday.
An abduction of William Paibomsai-Lesage was reported around 10:30 a.m. July 25, Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Saturday morning.
Suspect, vehicle wanted by police after man abducted in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on July 25, 2024. (Ontario Provincial Police)
"Paibomsai-Lesage was on Willow Street when he was approached by two males, assaulted and forced into a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup with Ontario licence plate BZ320028," OPP said.
He has not yet been found, but two people have been arrested in connection to his abduction while one suspect remains at large.
William Paibomsai-Lesage, 27, was abducted in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on July 25, 2024 using a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup with Ontario licence plate BZ320028, police say. (Ontario Provincial Police)
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"The search for William continues and there are concerns for his safety," OPP said.
Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service is also involved in the investigation.
A 36-year-old local man has been arrested and charged with his kidnapping.
A second man of no fixed address, 38, is also charged with kidnapping in the case along with assault, possession of methamphetamine and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
One of the two arrested suspects was taken into custody in Sagamok First Nation, about two hours away on the North Shore, on Friday night, police confirmed.
Paibomsai-Lesage is described as being 6-foot, 195 pounds with short, black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing an orange Under Armour t-shirt, red athletic pants, white running shoes and a grey baseball cap.
William Paibomsai-Lesage, 27, was abducted in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on July 25, 2024, police say. (Ontario Provincial Police)
A third suspect wanted in the case is described as about 6-foot, 180 lbs., clean-shaven, wearing black pullover top with a red shirt underneath, dark pants and a baseball hat.
Photos of suspect who allegedly abducted William Paibomsai-Lesage, 27, in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on July 25, 2024 (Ontario Provincial Police)
"If seen, call police and do not approach," OPP said.
His photo was distributed by police along with the vehicle involved and the victim, but his name has not been released.
"Anyone with any information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of William Paibomsai-Lesage is asked to contact the Manitoulin OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the nearest police service," OPP said.
"Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000."
The two suspects that were arrested remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court in Gore Bay July 27 and 29.
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