Man Arrested On Three Charges Following Suspicious Package Scare On Wilkins

On Sunday afternoon at approximately 2:00 p.m., London Police were called to 501 Wilkins Street to speak with a male occupant. While checking on the welfare of the man, police found a suspicious package inside he address. The man was arrested, and three floors of the apartment building were evacuated as a precaution.

London Police Explosive Disposal Unit entered the residence to assess the package, and further examination determined the package to be a hoax device, constructed to resemble an explosive device. The package was then removed from the apartment, and dismantled in a secure location.

As a result of the investigation, Houmam Riyad Mourad, 48, of London is charged with Possession of a Weapon Contrary to an Order, possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, and possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence. A pellet gun and crossbow were also seized.

The accused is in custody, and scheduled to appear in court today.

The London Police Service would like to thank those members of the public affected by the evacuation for their cooperation.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in on-line anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com