Man charged with attempted murder released from custody by mistake

Police in London, Ont. are asking the public to be on the lookout for a man who was accidentally released from custody after he was charged with attempted murder.

In hurried announcement Friday evening, police said the man was "erroneously released from custody" almost 24 hours earlier after he had attended a court appearance in relation to the attempted murder charge. 

They say he poses a serious threat to the public.

"He should be considered armed and dangerous. We just want to make sure the public is aware and that they call 911 and do not approach this this male if they see him," said Acting Insp. Maria Wright. "Community safety is a top priority for us. This is why we're [making this announcement]."

Police identified the person who was released as Cody Anthony Leblanc Ashe, 28, of London. He is accused of attempted murder and possession of a firearm contrary to a probation order among other charges.

Leblanc Ashe is accused of carrying out a shooting at a community housing complex in London's east-end that sent one man to hospital with serious injuries nearly a year ago on Sept. 11, 2024.

He was arrested in late October 2024 at a home near the site of the shooting.

Wright described him as a Black male, weighing approximately 229 pounds, standing 6 feet, 4 inches, with a medium build, black hair, scruffy facial hair and brown eyes. A mugshot provided to CBC News includes a tattoo above his right eye.

Wright said Leblanc Ashe was not released by police, but was instead released while in custody of the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Police can't confirm whether he was released from the London courthouse or from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre, where he was being held. They said they are waiting for confirmation from the Solicitor General.

CBC News has reached out to the province for comment on the circumstances of the release, and will update this story when a response is received. 

"He hasn't been in the custody of the London Police for some time. We're working with our community partners to come to an understanding on how this happened," she said.

"But for right now, we're just really looking to apprehend this gentleman, and to bring him in for public safety reasons."

Wright reiterated the public should avoid approaching the accused at all costs, and should instead call 911, the LPS non-emergent line at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

"He was last seen shortly after 8 p.m., on Thursday, in the area of Exeter Road and Sholto Drive," police said.