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Four people face multiple charges after police say a trespassing call on Western University’s campus last weekend led to the discovery of chemicals allegedly capable of making explosives in a nearby London, Ont., home.
The London Police Service said Tuesday that the chemicals were located in the University Heights neighbourhood west of campus. A heavy police presence remained, with a bomb disposal unit on standby and an excavator parked near the corner property at 212 Chesham Place.
The multi-day probe began Saturday at Western University when officers were called around 1:40 a.m. ET to assist campus police with a trespasser who was taken into custody, police said.
London firefighters on the scene at 212 Chesham Place where an investigation is underway as chemicals possible of creating explosives were discovered by police. (Kendra Seguin/CBC)
The man, identified as a 27-year-old from Ottawa, was arrested by campus special constables after a foot pursuit and a loaded handgun was seized, police said.
Officers later learned a second man had been involved, and the investigation led them to the home on Chesham Place, police said.
“There, officers found hazardous chemicals capable of being used to create explosives, leading to the arrest of two additional individuals connected to the residence.”
Multiple charges
Four people have been charged in connection with the investigation at Chesham Place. Multiple emergency crews worked to ensure the area was safe. (Kendra Seguin / CBC News)
Fei (Frank) Han, 25, of London and Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, 21, of London were each charged with unlawful possession of explosives.
Jerry Tong, 27, of Ottawa was charged with six offences, 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 with a firearm.
London resident Zekun Wang, 26, was charged with break and enter with intent and occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm.
Investigators have been at the home since Saturday, police said. Several nearby streets were closed late Tuesday morning as part of the investigation.
“It is still very much an active investigation, including entering the residence for a proper and thorough search,” said Sean Travis, acting detective superintendent with London police.
“I understand the local community could be very concerned about the idea of what is in the residence.”
Travis said police could not confirm if there were any concerning messages or letters found in the home, as the investigation is underway, but confirmed a drug lab is not suspected.
Polce said they’d be on the scene for an “undetermined amount of time” pending a search and safe removal of chemicals from the residence by specialized personnel and equipment.
They did not elaborate on the nature of the connection between the incident on campus and the discovery of the hazardous chemicals.
Western had closed four engineering buildings Saturday morning in relation to the initial trespassing investigation, according to the Western Gazette. The buildings had reopened by Saturday evening.
London police closed several roads on and around Chesham Avenue for an ongoing investigation. (Google Maps)
In a statement to CBC News, Western University said it is working closely with the LPS on the investigation.
“Our top priority is the safety of our campus community, and we have assurance from LPS that the buildings involved in the weekend incident are secure and safe,” said Western officials. “Any further details about the case and the individuals involved will be shared at the discretion of LPS.”
The road closures are at:
- Chesham Avenue at Castlegrove Boulevard.
- Chesham Place at Chesham Avenue.
- Citation Drive at Chesham Avenue.
- Citation Drive at Eastcastle Place.
“Please be advised that local residents only will be permitted access beyond these points,” police said in an earlier statement.
“The investigation is in its early stages and more information will be shared as appropriate.”
Police are asking the public to avoid the area.
