A trespassing investigation at Western University that led to the discovery of bomb-making chemicals has resulted in dozens of charges and search warrants executed in Ottawa and Gatineau.
London police remain at a residence near Chesham Avenue and Chesham Place Tuesday, more than a week after responding to a call for trespassing at the school.
Around 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 24, London police officers were called to assist the Western University Special Constable Service regarding a trespasser in custody. Police said in a news release the special constables arrested a man after a foot pursuit on campus; officers also found a loaded handgun at the scene of the arrest.
Investigators determined a second man had been involved in the trespassing incident and eventually went to a residence near Chesham Avenue and Chesham Place. There, officers found hazardous chemicals capable of being used to create explosives, leading to the arrest of two additional individuals connected to the home.
Explosive disposal technicians secured the home, and it has been under police guard since.
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Since the initial incident, investigators have expanded their probe and executed search warrants in Ottawa and Gatineau, Que.
“This complex investigation has spanned multiple cities and provinces. We are grateful for the collaboration and support of our law enforcement partners,” the force said in a Jan. 30 news release.
Police said Tuesday its officers remain on scene and have removed equipment; partner agencies have also left the scene, it added.
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A 27-year-old man from Ottawa and three men from London — a 26-year-old, a 25-year-old and a 21-year-old — with multiple offences including possession of a loaded/unloaded regulated firearm, careless storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm and knowingly manufacturing or transferring a firearm, device, or ammunition.
Western University told Global News in a statement last week it’s “working closely with the London Police Service on this 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,” it added.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
— With files from Global News’ Prisha Dev
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