Victim of alleged Manitoulin Island abduction found safe, 2 arrested: OPP

Initial report: Man abducted on Manitoulin Island One of three suspects accused of a Manitoulin Island abduction was arrested in Sagamok on Friday night as a search for the victim continues.

Police in northern Ontario say the victim of a reported abduction on Manitoulin Island has been found, and a third suspect has been identified.

Ontario Provincial Police issued a release on Saturday morning saying 27-year-old William Paibomsai-Lesage was approached by two men on Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Thursday morning.

black Chevrolet Silverado pickup - abduction 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)

They allege he was assaulted and forced into a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

Police said two suspects had been arrested and face kidnapping charges, but the OPP and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service were on the lookout for a third.

A Saturday evening update from the OPP says Paibomsai-Lesage was found safe.

They say they've identified the third suspect but gave few other details, including whether that person has been arrested or if they expect any charges to be laid.

Manitoulin Island abduction supect Photos of suspect who allegedly abducted William Paibomsai-Lesage, 27, in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on July 25, 2024 (Ontario Provincial Police)

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2024.