Police in London, Ontario. They are asking the public to be aware of a man who was accidentally released from custody after he was accused of murder attempt.
In the hurried announcement on Friday night, the police said that the man was “erroneously released from custody” almost 24 hours before after having attended an appearance in court in relation to the position of attempted murder.
They say it represents a serious threat to the public.
“It should be considered armed and dangerous. We just want to make sure that the public is aware and call 911 and do not approach this man if they see it,” said Maria Wright. “Community security is a priority for us. That is why we are [making this announcement]”
Police identified the person who was released as Cody Anthony Leblanc Ashe, 28, from London. He is accused of attempted murder and possession of a firearm contrary to a probation order, among other positions.
Leblanc Ashe is accused of carrying out a shooting in a complex of community housing at the east end of London who sent a man to the hospital with serious injuries almost a year ago on September 11, 2024.
He was arrested at the end of October 2024 in a house near the shooting site.
Wright described him as a black man, who weighed approximately 229 pounds, standing 6 feet, 4 inches, with a medium construction, black hair, scruffy hair and brown eyes. A police photo provided to CBC News includes a tattoo over your right eye.
Wright said that Leblanc Ashe was not released by the police, but was released while he was in custody of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
The police cannot confirm whether he was released from the London Palace or the ELGIN MIDDLESEX detention center, where he was detained. They said they are waiting for the confirmation of the Attorney General.
CBC News has communicated with the province to comment on the circumstances of the launch, and will update this story when an answer is received.
“He has not been in the custody of the London Police for some time. We are working with our community partners to understand how this happened,” he said.
“But for now, we are really looking to stop this gentleman and bring it for public security reasons.”
Wright reiterated that the public should avoid approaching the defendant at all costs, and instead should call 911, the non-emerging LPS line (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-Tips (8477).
“It was last seen shortly after 8 pm, on Thursday, in the Exeter Road and Sholto Drive area,” police said.
