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London man, 24, charged in Wharncliffe Road North weapons probe: police

Multiple police vehicles outside of an apartment complex at 345 Wharncliffe Rd. N on Feb. 11, 2021 for a weapons investigation. Courtesy: Dave Murphy

A 24-year-old London, Ont., man is facing a laundry list of weapons-related charges following an hours-long investigation and stand-off Thursday at an apartment complex on Wharncliffe Road North.

Officers responded to the scene at 345 Wharncliffe Rd. N, an eight-floor apartment building owned by London and Middlesex Community Housing, around 10 a.m. after receiving a call about a man observed carrying what was believed to be a handgun in the waist of his pants.

At the address, police say they made a positive identification on the unit the suspect entered with the help of surveillance camera video.

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When officers went to the unit, police say three occupants exited, but one did not. Nearby units were evacuated, and negotiators were called to the scene, police said. A police explosives disposal robot was also used during the investigation, according to an eyewitness.

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It wasn’t until 5 p.m., some seven hours after the initial call, that police say they entered the unit and arrested one suspect without incident.

London police lead a man away in handcuffs during a weapons investigation at 345 Wharncliffe Rd. N on Feb. 11, 2021.
London police lead a man away in handcuffs during a weapons investigation at 345 Wharncliffe Rd. N on Feb. 11, 2021. Courtesy: Dave Murphy

No injuries were reported in the investigation, police said.

Police say they seized a loaded handgun, a replica handgun, and 14 grams of suspected cocaine valued at $1,400.

The accused, a 24-year-old London man, is facing a dozen charges including 10 weapons-related counts, one of breach of probation, and one of possessing a Schedule I substance.

They were set to appear in court on Friday for the charges.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

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