A 40-year-old London resident is facing multiple charges after an alleged threat against an employee at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital prompted a lockdown Thursday. Police were called to the hospital after reports that a man had threatened a staff member and was allegedly in possession of a machete. Police have now confirmed with CTV News the man entered the hospital’s mental health floor and mixed chemicals, creating a toxic vapour in an area occupied by staff. The vapour caused several staff members to cough, but police said there were no lasting effects and no injuries were reported. Investigators said the suspect was carrying a machete but did not threaten anyone while holding the weapon. The machete was later seized by police after the man fled the hospital. As a precaution, the hospital issued a Code Silver, locking down the building while police investigated. Police said a 40-year-old London resident was arrested and charged with two counts of uttering threats to cause death, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, administering a noxious substance with intent to endanger life, and mischief causing damage to property. The accused was being held in police custody and was scheduled to appear in court Friday morning. Police have not released the identity of the accused.
