Four Arrested After Chemicals Found in London Home

Four individuals are facing several charges following a police response to a trespassing report at Western University last weekend, which led to the finding of substances that could potentially be used to make explosives in a nearby residence in London, Ont.

The London Police Service (LPS) announced on Tuesday that these chemicals were discovered in the University Heights area, located west of the campus. A significant police presence was observed, with a bomb disposal unit on standby and an excavator stationed near the property at 212 Chesham Place.

The investigation began Saturday morning when officers responded around 1:40 a. m. ET to assist campus police regarding a trespasser who was subsequently arrested, according to authorities.

London firefighters on the scene at 212 Chesham Place where an investigation is underway as chemicals possible of creating explosives were discovered by police. (Andrew Lupton/)

The suspect, a 27-year-old man from Ottawa, was taken into custody by campus special constables after fleeing on foot; officers also seized a loaded handgun during this encounter.

Authorities later found out that another man was involved, leading them to investigate further and ultimately arrest two more individuals at the home on Chesham Place.

Sean Travis, acting detective superintendent with London police, stated to reporters at the site that observations made inside the house raised “concern 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 emergency personnel that’s present and also the surrounding community.”

Travis mentioned that police could not confirm if any alarming messages or letters were found in the home due to ongoing investigations but assured that there is no suspicion of a drug lab being operated there. He also noted he wasn’t aware if anything had been stolen from Western University.

Multiple charges

Sean Travis is the acting detective superintendent with London Police Service (Kendra Seguin/)

Fei (Frank) Han, 25 years old from London and Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, 21 years old from London have both been charged with unlawful possession of explosives.

Jerry Tong, age 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 as well as occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm.

Zekun Wang, who’s 26 years old and lives in London has been charged with break and enter with intent and occupying a motor vehicle with firearm charges.

Han is set to appear in court on Thursday based on court records. Updated dates for Ji, Tong or Wang’s court appearances weren’t available yet.

‘Such an unassuming household’

The investigation team has been present at this residence since Saturday according to police reports.

A number of neighbors expressed they didn’t know any residents personally but assumed they 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 local 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.”

Tom Ford and Shannon Porter are neighbours who live in the University Heights neighbourhood. While neither knew the residents at 212 Chesham Place personally, they both say they assumed they were students. (Kendra Seguin/)

Shannon Porter commented about how unexpected this event turned out for everyone nearby.

“‘Shock’ is definitely fitting for describing it. [Neighbors] were discussing how you don’t really see anything like this,” she stated.

Streets closed; campus open

The police indicated they would maintain their presence at this location for an “undetermined amount of time” until specialized personnel safely remove all chemicals from inside.

“This remains very much an active investigation which includes entering into residences for proper thorough searches,” Travis explained. “I understand local community members may feel quite concerned about what might be within.”

No additional details about any connection between this incident on campus and these hazardous materials have been shared by law enforcement so far.

The university shut down four engineering buildings early Saturday morning relating backto this initial trespassing case before reopening them later that evening as reported by The Western Gazette.

An email sent outtoengineeringstudents regardingthis incident confirmedthatthereis activepoliceinvestigationongoingatthe Thompson Engineering Building, the Spencer Engineering Building, the Claudette Mac Kay-Lassonde Pavilionandthe Amit Chakma Building. Another subsequent email informedthatallfourbuildingshadbeenreopenedaftertheinvestigationwascompleted.

Noboth Western Universitynorpolicecouldconfirmwhetheranyofthosechargedareorhaveeverbeenstudentsattheuniversity. Western Universityreleasedastatementindicatingthey’re collaboratingwithlawenforcementonthismatter.

“Our top priorityis ensuringthesafetyofourcampuscommunityandwehaveassurancesfrom LPSthatthebuildingsinvolvedaresecureandsafe,” said their statement.<img src="Google Maps"/

Several roadsaroundthenearbyresidence remain closedasof Tuesdayeveningincluding: Chesham Avenueat Castlegrove Boulevard. Chesham Placeat Chesham Avenue. Citation Driveat Chesham Avenue. Citation Driveat Eastcastle Place.

“Localresidentswillbepermittedaccessonly beyondtheseclosures,”statedpoliceinaprevous announcement.

The publicisurgedto stay awayfromthisarea.

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