'Lock windows and doors': overnight shelter in place warning lifted by OPP in West Lorne

A man is in custody, and there is a no longer a “threat to public safety” for residents in West Lorne, Ont. according to provincial police.

Early Wednesday morning, OPP posted on social media about an increased presence around Graham Street and Main Street, due to an ongoing investigation.Residents near the intersection of Graham St. and Main St. in West Lorne, Ont. were asked to shelter in place early on Wednesday Jan 1, 2025 (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London)

They asked residents to “lock all windows and doors, and shelter in place.”

Hours later, they posted an update telling everyone that they no longer need to shelter in place, there is no threat to public safety, and the investigation continues.An OPP cruiser is parked on Frederic St. in West Lorne, Ont. on Wednesday Jan, 1, 2025 (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London)

Police say an interaction occurred between two occupants of a vehicle and another individual. The two occupants safely left the area in the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

At approximately, 3:15 a.m., the other individual was located and taken into custody without incident in with the assistance of the West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine Unit.

However, a number of residents of West Lorne are expressing frustration waking up to a lack of knowledge of a potentially dangerous incident overnight.

“I’m frustrated about the the lack of communication from the OPP,” says West Lorne resident Paula Jessop, in a message exchange with CTV News.

“There have been several other instances of heavy police presence in town because of serious crimes with no warning to residents at the time and no explanation afterwards. This breeds rumours as everyone is looking for answers and not receiving any from official sources. That being said, I am grateful to our hard-working officers for putting their lives on the line and keeping the public safe. They have a difficult job, and I am grateful for their service.”

Jacob Deleary, a 29-year-old from West Elgin has been charged with:

• Assault with a weapon (Two Counts)

• Pointing a firearm (Two Counts)

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm

• Failure to comply with undertaking

Police say the accused was held for a bail hearing and has since been remanded into custody. The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of Elgin OPP Crime Unit.