Hospital in London, Ont. calls Code Silver over threats scare, 1 arrested

A Code Silver was called at University Hospital in London, Ont., after police said a person threatening law enforcement fled inside the hospital.

What began as an investigation over threats made to police ended in a “code silver” being called inside of a hospital in London, Ont., overnight.

According to London Health Sciences Centre training materials, a Code Silver is called ‘when an individual is in possession of a weapon and an enhanced police response is required for a threat, attempt or active use of a weapon or device to cause harm.”

Under a code silver, “staff and affiliates should respond” by evacuating if possible, hiding if evacuation is not possible, and surviving by acting in self defense as a last resort in order to move to safety.

Provincial police said Friday morning that officers from the Middlesex County, Oxford County and Elgin County detachments were dispatched to Highway 401 at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday over “a report of an individual making threats against police.”

“I’m not sure of the exact detail of the threats but I know that they were directed toward law enforcement officials,” OPP spokesperson Jeff Hare said.

Members of the Oxford detachment found the caller’s vehicle heading westbound on the highway towards London, police said. Officers tried to initiate a stop but the vehicle reportedly fled.

The vehicle was later found at London Health Sciences Centre’s University Hospital and the London Police Service was called in to assist.

An LHSC spokesperson confirmed a Code Silver was called at around 2 a.m. Friday.