Incident Overview

In a shocking incident that has rattled the London community, four men have been arrested following a violent home invasion in the city's south end early Thursday morning.

Details of the Assault

At approximately 3:45 a.m., the tranquility of the night was shattered in the White Oaks neighborhood when two armed men broke into a residence located near Ashley Crescent and Ashley Place. The unsuspecting homeowner was awakened by a disturbance in his bedroom, only to find himself staring down the barrel of a gun wielded by one of the intruders.

Homeowner's Reaction and Law Enforcement Response

Reacting instinctively, the homeowner confronted the armed men, shouting at them, which prompted the suspects to flee the scene. Their escape set off an immediate response from law enforcement, who quickly mobilized to apprehend the suspects.

Suspects Apprehended

Using a canine unit, responding officers located the perpetrators, alongside two additional men and a vehicle linked to the crime at the intersection of Dundas Street and Maitland Street. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this terrifying encounter.

Charges Filed

Authorities recovered a long barrel semi-automatic BB gun from the suspects’ vehicle, furthering the gravity of the situation. The arrested individuals, aged between 19 and 29, face a range of serious charges, including armed robbery, possession of a weapon, and the unlawful use of a stolen credit card. One of the suspects, aged 29, is also facing charges for breach of probation and possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.

Court Appearance

All four men are set to appear in court on October 15 to answer for their alleged offenses.

Related Incident

In a separate incident highlighting public safety concerns, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Wellington Street, close to Elgin Mall. The pedestrian suffered a concussion and required stitches for a forehead injury. Police have charged the driver with careless driving causing bodily harm under the Highway Traffic Act.

Community Reaction

As the community grapples with these startling incidents, local officials urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. The rise in violence and crime has sparked discussions about community safety and the measures in place to protect families.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for updates on these developing stories.