Four individuals are facing various charges following a reported trespassing incident at Western University’s campus that led to the discovery of potentially explosive chemicals in a nearby residence in London, Ontario. The London Police Service revealed that the substances were found in the University Heights neighborhood west of the campus, triggering a significant police presence, including a bomb disposal unit and an excavator stationed near the property at 212 Chesham Place.
The investigation commenced last Saturday at Western University when law enforcement responded to a trespassing incident at around 1:40 a.m. ET, where a suspect was apprehended by campus authorities after a chase, during which a loaded firearm was confiscated. Subsequently, it was determined that another individual was involved, leading officers to the residence in question where two more suspects were arrested.
During a press briefing at the scene, London Police’s acting detective superintendent, Sean Travis, highlighted concerns about the presence of chemicals that could potentially be utilized to craft explosive devices, emphasizing the importance of handling such materials cautiously to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Charges have been laid against Fei (Frank) Han, Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, Jerry Tong, and Zekun Wang, encompassing offenses such as unlawful possession of explosives, carrying a concealed weapon, careless firearm use, and break and enter. Han was set to appear in court on Thursday, while updated court dates for the other accused were not immediately available.
The investigation at the residence has been ongoing since the weekend, with neighbors expressing surprise at the events, describing the household as unassuming and primarily inhabited by individuals believed to be students.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the area surrounding the residence will remain closed for an undisclosed period as specialized personnel work to safely remove the hazardous chemicals. The connection between the campus incident and the discovery of the chemicals has not been delineated, and Western University has assured the community of the security of the impacted buildings following the incident.
