For Immediate Release

U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrests Violent Kidnapper from  Philadelphia

Toledo, OH – U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott announces the capture of violent fugitive William Paige. Paige was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from the Lima Police Department. Paige, 51, was a fugitive from justice from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, wanted on numerous felony charges dating back to 2007. Those charges included: Armed Kidnapping of a Child, Attempted Armed Kidnapping of a Child, Stalking/Assault, and Assault with a Firearm/Felon in Possession of a Firearm/Attempted Armed Kidnapping of a Child. The charges stem from numerous attempts by Paige to kidnap his girlfriend’s children at gunpoint on the streets of Philadelphia. When these attempts failed, Paige then went to the victim’s sister’s residence and proceeded to break into her home armed with a firearm. She sustained some injuries as a result of this burglary. He then fled the Philadelphia area and the United States Marshals Violent Crimes Task Force in Philadelphia began to investigate his whereabouts in early January 2009.

After conducting interviews, authorities in Philadelphia had determined that it was likely that Paige had fled to Lima, Ohio. The U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force was asked to assist in locating and arresting Paige. On January 22, 2009, task force members were able to locate and arrest Paige in the 700 block of West Elm Street in Lima, Ohio, without incident. He was taken to the Allen County Jail and awaits extradition back to Philadelphia to face his multiple felony charges.

U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott states, “Another violent fugitive has been removed from our communities thanks to the diligence of our Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers. The citizens of Northern Ohio can rest assured that we will continue to pursue those that evade the law.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force Toledo Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Office and Lima Police Department.