FROM: Manitoulin Detachment
DATE: July 27, 2024
OPP AND WTPS INVESTIGATE ABDUCTION
(WIKWEMIKONG UNCEDED TERRITORY, ON) – The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) are investigating an abduction in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.
On July 25, 2024, shortly after 10:30 a.m., the Manitoulin OPP and WTPS responded to a report of an abduction on Willow Street in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory. Police received information that William PAIBOMSAI-LESAGE, age 27, 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.
The search for William continues and there are concerns for his safety. He is described as Indigenous, 6′ (183 cm), 195 lbs (88 kg), short black hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing an orange Under Armour t-shirt, red athletic pants, white running shoes, and a grey baseball cap.
Two people have been arrested and one suspect remains outstanding.
Christian (Reese) CORMIER, 38 years old of no fixed address, has been charged with:
- Assault
- Kidnapping
- Possession of a Schedule I substance – methamphetamine
- Fail to comply with Probation Order – three counts
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear virtually before the Ontario Court of Justice in Little Current on July 27, 2024.
Luke FLAMMAND, 36 years old from Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve First Nation, has been charged with Kidnapping.
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on July 29, 2024.
The outstanding suspect is described as a male, Indigenous, approximately 6′ (183 cm) and 180 lbs (82 kg), clean shaven, wearing a black pullover top with a red shirt underneath, dark pants, and a dark baseball cap.
If seen, call police and do not approach.
The investigation is being conducted by the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit and WTPS, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
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. 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.
(Photos attached.)
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Contact: Detective Constable Jessica Gilbertson
Media Relations Officer
Phone: (705) 869-8180
Email: jessica.gilbertson@opp.caopp.ca
X: @OPP_NER or @PPO_Nordest
INSTAGRAM: @OPP_Northeast
FACEBOOK: @Ontario Provincial Police – North East Region
