Cody Anthony Leblanc Ashe, 28, of London, Ontario, was arrested by the London Police Service (LPS) just two days after being mistakenly released despite facing attempted murder charges.
Leblanc Ashe was located outside the city through a coordinated effort involving multiple LPS units, including the Investigative Response Unit, Mobile Surveillance Unit, Emergency Response Unit, and others.
The erroneous release prompted serious concerns from officials. Chris Lewis, former OPP Commissioner and public safety analyst, expressed disbelief over how a dangerous offender could be released due to what appears to be a clerical or procedural error. He stressed the need to prevent such mistakes to protect public safety.
Police initially issued an urgent public alert after Leblanc Ashe’s release, warning that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Acting Inspector Maria Wright clarified that Leblanc Ashe was not released by LPS but was in the custody of the Ministry of the Solicitor General at the time of the error.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances behind the accidental release. The Ministry has yet to provide an official explanation. Historically, transportation and court security staff handle the transfer of high-risk inmates, raising questions about where the breakdown occurred.
Leblanc Ashe faces several serious charges, including attempted murder related to a violent incident last September on Boullee Street that left a man hospitalized.
Despite the mistake, Lewis commended LPS for quickly mobilizing resources and capturing the suspect. Police thanked the public for their tips, which aided the swift resolution of the case.
The incident highlights critical lapses in custody procedures and underscores the importance of accountability to prevent risks to community safety. Investigations are ongoing to ensure such errors do not happen again.
