During an investigation into threats against the police, a hospital in London, Ont. was put on “Code Silver” overnight.
According to the training materials of the London Health Sciences Centre, a Code Silver is initiated “when an individual is in possession of a weapon and an enhanced police response is required for a threat, attempt, or active use of a weapon or device to cause harm.”
Under a Code Silver, “staff and affiliates should respond” by evacuating if possible, hiding if evacuation is not possible, and acting in self-defense as a last resort to ensure their survival and move to safety.
On Thursday night, officers from the Middlesex County, Oxford County, and Elgin County detachments were dispatched to Highway 401 after receiving a report of an individual making threats against the police.
“I’m not sure about the exact nature of the threats, but I know that they were directed towards law enforcement officials,” stated OPP spokesperson Jeff Hare.
The caller’s vehicle was spotted by members of the Oxford detachment traveling westbound on the highway towards London. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled.
The vehicle was later discovered at London Health Sciences Centre’s University Hospital, prompting the involvement of the London Police Service.
A 2 a.m. on Friday, London Health Sciences Centre called a Code Silver. The suspect was located by members of the London police and OPP within the hospital and was apprehended without incident,” Hare confirmed.
LHSC released a statement saying they worked in collaboration with the police to ensure the safety of their patients, visitors, and team members, and the Code Silver was concluded by 2:45 a.m. They clarified that Code Silver does not indicate a lockdown.
“Most importantly, we are now focused on ensuring the wellness of our people, recognizing a Code Silver can be upsetting and stressful. Resources are being offered to support our team. We would like to thank our Security team, staff, London Police Service, and the Ontario Provincial Police for ensuring the safety of our people and our patients.”
When asked if the suspect was armed, Hare replied, “There were no firearms found on the individual. There were no reports indicating the individual had any kind of firearm.”
Hare stated that he did not believe there were other suspects involved in the incident. Additionally, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
A 31-year-old from Norfolk County is facing charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
Located at the northern tip of Western University campus, University Hospital at 339 Windermere Road is part of the LHSC hospital network. It first opened in 1972 (recently celebrating its 50th anniversary) after merging with Victoria Hospital in 1995.
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