Man arrested after allegedly threatening to shoot people at children's hospital in Queens

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Friday, February 18, 2022

Man arrested after alleged shooting threats at NYC hospital

Police made a series of disturbing discoveries after arresting a man who threatened to shoot up children's hospital in Queens.

QUEENS, New York (WABC) -- Police made a series of disturbing discoveries after arresting a man who allegedly threatened to shoot up a children's hospital in Queens.

According to authorities, police responded to a 911 call for a man making threats outside Cohen Children's Medical Center on 76th Avenue just after 12 p.m. Thursday.

They say the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Thomas Saxton, threatened to shoot people at the hospital.

Officers arrived on the scene and were able to obtain a description of the suspect's vehicle.

ALSO READ | NYC Mayor Eric Adams addresses violence, hate crimes in exclusive one-on-one

In an exclusive interview, New York City Mayor Eric Adams addresses crime that has plagued the city, and at the heart of it, Asians who are often the victims.

A search of the car revealed two loaded, unmarked ghost guns.

Police then took Saxton into custody outside the hospital, next to his car.

A search of the suspect's home led to an even more disturbing discovery.

Police found a slew of weapons, including 9 ghost handguns, four shotguns, two rifles, two bulletproof vests, 50 extended magazines and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

Saxton has been charged with six counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of ammunition, menacing, harassment, criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

ALSO READ | Outrage and grief in wake of grisly Chinatown apartment murder