London, Ontario authorities are urging the community to stay vigilant for an individual who was mistakenly freed from detention following charges of attempted murder. In a hurriedly arranged announcement on Friday evening, law enforcement disclosed that the individual had been erroneously released nearly a day after attending a court hearing linked to the attempted murder accusation. Officials emphasize that the individual poses a significant danger to the public and caution that he should be viewed as armed and hazardous. Acting Insp. Maria Wright emphasized the paramount importance of community safety in issuing this alert.
The released individual is identified as Cody Anthony Leblanc Ashe, a 28-year-old resident of London facing charges of attempted murder and firearm possession in violation of a probation order, among other offenses. Leblanc Ashe stands accused of perpetrating a shooting at a residential complex in London’s eastern region that resulted in severe injuries to one individual approximately a year ago on September 11, 2024. He was apprehended in late October 2024 at a residence near the incident site.
Describing Leblanc Ashe as a Black male, approximately 229 pounds, 6 feet 4 inches tall, with a medium build, black hair, scruffy facial hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo above his right eye as seen in a provided mugshot. Wright clarified that the release was not carried out by the police but occurred while the individual was under the custody of the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Authorities are currently awaiting confirmation from the Solicitor General regarding the specific release location, whether the London courthouse or the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre.
Efforts to ascertain the circumstances leading to the mistaken release are ongoing in collaboration with community partners. Authorities stress the priority of detaining the individual promptly for public safety. The public is advised to refrain from engaging with the individual and instead contact emergency services, the LPS non-emergency line, or Crime Stoppers with any information. The individual was last sighted around Exeter Road and Sholto Drive shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday. Requests for comment from the province have been made, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.