4 charged after live streaming BB guns at the Gramercy Park Hotel

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
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GRAMERCY PARK, Manhattan (WABC) -- Four people were arraigned Wednesday night on weapons and drug charges over a bizarre incident at the Gramercy Park Hotel.

The four were taken into custody by the NYPD on Tuesday after authorities responded to a call of a gunman at the luxury boutique hotel.

The incident happened inside a hotel room just after 4 p.m., when a security guard was sent to investigate an anonymous complaint on the 11th floor of guests with multiple firearms.

The guard overheard through the door someone say something like, "Be careful with that. You don't want to get shot," and called police. Authorities say the two men and two women arrested were live streaming video of themselves holding BB guns.

NYPD ESU units removed the room's door and took the suspects into custody. At least six BB guns were recovered, as well as marijuana and other drugs, and credit and gift cards.

The male suspects were identified as 32-year-old Firas Yousef, of Yonkers, and 30-year-old Bassem Yousef, of South Salem, who are cousins. The females were identified as 25-year-old Maxine Hansen, of Manhattan, and 22-year-old Ashley Mueller, of Suffern.

Videos from the scene show police leading the suspects away.

They are charged with weapons possession, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The hotel released a statement, saying, "We are fully cooperating with the authorities, and as this is an ongoing investigation we are unable to provide additional information at this time. Due to the ongoing investigation, inquiries should be directed to the NYPD."