NEW YORK — More details to be released an arsenal of weapons found in a Queens man’s vehicle Wednesdayincluding the alarming messages written on one of those weapons.
The suspect, 27-year-old Judd Sanson, appeared in court Thursday.
Messages written on the gun in Queen’s man’s car
Police say Sanson appeared nervous when they stopped him around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at 86th Street and Ditmars Boulevard because he a covered license plate. They say he told them he was visiting his uncle.
New York City Police Department officers say the eleven weapons they found in the car include a handgun, a machete, a switchblade, knives, an ax and a makeshift hatchet.
Officers also say they found 179 rounds of ammunition, including four high-capacity magazines, and a baton with phrases written on it, including “Leave me no choice,” “You’re going to learn today” and, in Arabic, “Ask to God. for forgiveness.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz says that’s why she charged him with intending to use the gun.
“All these expressions added up, along with all these weapons, all this ammunition, everything that was in that car. We are not taking any chances,” she said.
Where did Judd Sanson go with an arsenal of weapons?
Prosecutors say Sanson provided an address in Jamaica, Queens, where police say Sanson’s father later gave them permission to search his home. They say they found an empty gun safe with a serial number that doesn’t match the gun they found, so they’re still looking for that gun.
Prosecutors are also looking at Sanson’s social media accounts. They say he once posted a disturbing photo on Facebook, but they didn’t say what it was.
“We really don’t know where he went. All we know is that he was a few blocks from the airport. All we know is that he was driving with a black license plate,” Katz said.
Investigators are particularly concerned about the MTA vest found in the car and the bulletproof vest with an NYPD patch in a pocket.
“Transit uniforms that can be used almost anywhere in our subway system or in our transit system,” Katz said.
Prosecutors say the arrest averted a “potential disaster” not just for New Yorkers, but for the entire country.
Sanson is facing multiple charges, including criminal possession of a weapon. Katz did not rule out the possibility of more charges.
“There are no terrorism charges at this time, but we are still continuing to investigate,” she said.
A judge denied bail for Sanson. He has to appear in court again next week. Sanson’s attorney told the judge he needs medical and psychiatric treatment.
CBS New York reached out to his attorney to request their response to the allegations but has not yet heard back.
Tim McNicholas
