Felony Hate Crime, Weapons Charges After Westchester Man Displayed Handgun At Gas Station: NYSP

CORTLANDT, NY — A disturbing incident at a gas station has led to hate crime and gun charges against a Westchester man, according to state police.

The New York State Police say that troopers from the Cortlandt barracks arrested 57-year-old Sean C. Pearson, of Cortlandt, for felony second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (hate crime); felony second-degree menacing (hate crime); felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (assault rifle); and felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (high-capacity magazine).

On Jan. 16, around 10:30 p.m., Pearson entered the Sunoco gas station on Albany Post Road, in the town of Cortlandt. State police say he approached two people, made derogatory statements about their national origin, displayed a handgun, and fled the scene.

During a search of Pearson's home, troopers and investigators found a loaded .380-caliber pistol, an unregistered assault rifle, and a high-capacity magazine.

Pearson was arraigned in the Town of Cortlandt Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail, $50,000 bond, or a $150,000 partially secured bond.

He is scheduled to appear back in court on Jan. 26.