NEW YORK, NY – New York police arrested a heavily armed man during a traffic stop in Queens, uncovering an arsenal and evidence of extremist views.
Judd Sanson, 27, was taken into custody early Wednesday on multiple illegal weapons charges. Officers discovered a 9-millimeter Glock handgun, nine loaded magazines, heavy body armor, handcuffs, NYPD uniform items, two axes, multiple knives, a stun gun, a weighted whip, and an expandable baton in his vehicle.
“This arrest is significant due to the sheer volume of weapons and NYPD paraphernalia found,” said Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey.
Police also found a Guy Fawkes mask, often associated with anti-government sentiment, and an orange MTA vest. Disturbing messages were etched into the baton, including, “You left me no choice,” and the Arabic phrase for “God forgive me,” according to sources.
The incident began around 1:30 a.m. when officers observed a black Ford Explorer with a blacked-out license plate near 86th Street and Ditmars Blvd. The SUV was described as a “ghost vehicle.” Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered the arsenal.
Sanson faces charges including criminal possession of a loaded firearm, nine counts of criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of unlawful possession of an ammo feed device, and one count of having an obscured license plate. He provided a Queens address, which authorities are working to confirm.
“We will continue to investigate this incident,” Maddrey said. “Our officers are out there, ensuring public safety while many are asleep.”
Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry highlighted the NYPD’s ongoing efforts to remove ghost vehicles from the streets, noting an increase in crimes committed using stolen vehicles with obscured plates.
Authorities are investigating Sanson’s motives and whether there was any terrorist threat involved. “Given what was in there, something very bad was potentially averted,” an officer said. “The intent is still under investigation.”