Firearms seized, person wanted after Wolfe Island investigation
One person is wanted on an arrest warrant after two search warrants were executed on Wolfe Island earlier this week. As a result of the search warrants, one person has been arrested after a seizure of firearms and other items on Wolfe Island, leading to 50 charges.
The Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in partnership with the OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team executed the search warrants on the island on Monday, Jul. 24, 2023, according to a release from the OPP.
According to the OPP, officers seized 51 firearms, various prohibited devices, ammunition, and two 3D printers.
Paul McElligott, age 60, of Frontenac Islands Township was arrested and has been charged with:
- Nine counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Manufacturing a prohibited firearm
- Nine counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized
- Possession of a loaded firearm
- Six counts of breach of firearms regulation (careless storage)
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device
This accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before an Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston today, July 27, 2023.
An arrest warrant has been issued for James McElligott, age 24, of Frontenac Islands Township, pictured below.
The OPP noted that he faces the following charges:
- 10 counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Seven counts of breach of firearms regulation (careless storage)
- Possession of a loaded firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device
- Manufacturing a prohibited firearm
- Three counts of failure to comply with a release order
According to the release, James McElligott is believed to be in British Columbia. “While there is no threat to public safety at this time, people are advised not to approach this suspect if seen, and to call police immediately. This individual is already on probation previous firearm-related charges,” OPP said.
This investigation by the Leeds County Detachment and Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) is ongoing, with assistance from OPP East Region Crime Operations, Tactics and Rescue Unit, Leeds and Grenville OPP Marine Unit, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit.
PGNG is dedicated to disrupting gang activity and reducing the number of illegal firearms in our communities, which may be used in the commission of criminal acts including drug trafficking in our communities, according to the OPP.
Anyone with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs or firearms is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).