Four individuals are facing several charges after a call about trespassing at Western University last weekend led to the discovery of chemicals that could potentially be used for making explosives in a nearby residence in London, Ont.
The London Police Service (LPS) announced on Tuesday that the chemicals were found in the University Heights area, which is located west of the campus. There was a significant police presence, including a bomb disposal unit on standby and an excavator stationed near the property located at 212 Chesham Place.
The investigation began on Saturday at Western University when officers received a call around 1:40 a. m. ET to assist campus police with a trespasser who was subsequently arrested, according to police reports.
London firefighters are present at 212 Chesham Place where an investigation is ongoing after chemicals possibly related to explosives were discovered by authorities. (Andrew Lupton/)
A man, identified as a 27-year-old from Ottawa, was taken into custody by campus special constables following a foot chase during which a loaded handgun was confiscated.
Authorities later realized that another man was involved and further inquiries led them to the home on Chesham Place where two additional people were apprehended, as stated by police.
Speaking with reporters at the scene, Sean Travis, acting detective superintendent with London police, mentioned that observations made inside the house raised concerns about chemicals that “could be used to create explosive devices, not that devices were located.”
“That isn’t the sole source of explanation for the presence of these chemicals, but they are to be treated in a way that handling them is important for the safety of all involved, which includes the emergency personnel that’s present as well as the surrounding community.”
Travis also said police couldn’t confirm if any troubling messages or letters had been found in the residence since investigations are still ongoing; however, it has been confirmed that there’s no suspicion of drug manufacturing. He added he wasn’t aware if anything had been stolen from the university.
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Sean Travis is serving as acting detective superintendent with London Police Service (Kendra Seguin/)
Fei (Frank) Han, 25 years old and residing in London, along with Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, 21 years old also from London have each been charged with unlawful possession of explosives.
Jerry Tong, aged 27 from Ottawa faces six charges including carrying a concealed weapon, careless use of a firearm, possessing a loaded regulated firearm, resisting arrest, break and enter with intent and occupying a motor vehicle while armed.
Zekun Wang who is also from London and aged 26 has been charged with break and enter with intent and occupying a motor vehicle while armed.
According to court records Han is scheduled for court appearance on Thursday. Updated court dates for Ji, Tong or Wang haven’t been provided yet.
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Tom Ford and Shannon Porter live nearby but do not know residents at 212 Chesham Place personally; they believed those living there were students. (Kendra Seguin/)
Shannon Porter who lives further down shared her surprise regarding this weekend’s events.
“‘Shock’ is definitely fitting word for it. [Neighbors] were talking about how you never really see anything like this,” she commented.
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A total of four individuals have faced charges linked to this case occurring at Chesham Place while various emergency teams worked diligently ensuring safety in this area. (Kendra Seguin / )
An email sent out on Saturday stated there’s currently active police investigations happening within Thompson Engineering Hall,
Spencer Engineering Hall,
Claudette Mac Kay-Lassonde Pavilion,
and Amit Chakma Building,” based on information reviewed by.... An update email clarified all four buildings have reopened again. Nobody has confirmed whether any among those charged are students or have ever attended Western University. In response, Western issued statement stating cooperation will continue during ongoing investigations stressing its priority lies within community safety assuring secured environments concerning affected buildings throughout recent incidents.”
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Multiple charges
‘Such an unassuming household’
Investigators have remained at the home since Saturday as per police information. Several neighbors told they didn’t know any residents personally but assumed many were students living there. “It was such an unassuming household where you didn’t see any evidence of action except cars going in and out of the driveway,” said resident Stephen Waite. “There was no evidence; no reason to suspect them. They’re just some students who never raked their lawn or cut their grass.”Streets closed; campus remains open
The police indicated they would stay on-site for an “undetermined amount of time” while conducting searches and safely removing chemicals from the residence using specialized personnel and equipment. “It’s still very much an active investigation including entering the residence for thorough examination,” Travis stated. “I understand local residents might feel quite concerned about what’s inside.” The connection between what happened on campus and those hazardous materials hasn’t been detailed by authorities yet. The university closed four engineering buildings early Saturday morning due to initial trespassing incident according to Western Gazette reports; those buildings reopened later Saturday evening.Spencer Engineering Hall,
Claudette Mac Kay-Lassonde Pavilion,
and Amit Chakma Building,” based on information reviewed by.... An update email clarified all four buildings have reopened again. Nobody has confirmed whether any among those charged are students or have ever attended Western University. In response, Western issued statement stating cooperation will continue during ongoing investigations stressing its priority lies within community safety assuring secured environments concerning affected buildings throughout recent incidents.”
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