Jose M. Gandia, Possessing Multiple Bombs, New York 2020
BUFFALO, N.Y. - A 47-year-old man from Niagara Falls, New York, has been charged with possessing multiple bombs after a high-speed chase on the New York State Thruway.
According to the complaint, on March 25, 2020, the New York State Police received a report of an individual pointing a shotgun with a red laser out of a red pickup truck on the New York State Thruway.
A trooper located the vehicle stopped behind the traffic cones of an active work zone near the Town of Hanover and ordered the driver, later identified as Jose M. Gandia, to exit.
As the trooper attempted to handcuff Gandia, he resisted and a fight ensued. A second trooper arrived and assisted in handcuffing Gandia, who suffered a broken hand in the altercation.
A knife was found in Gandia's pocket, and a second one was located on the ground next to the red pickup. A sawed-off shotgun and a rifle were also found in the passenger seat of the vehicle, along with a ballistic vest and another knife.
Following Gandia's arrest, another ballistic vest and an item that appeared to be a pipe bomb were located in the rear of the vehicle. The incident resulted in the closure of the westbound Interstate 90 of the New York State Thruway.
Gandia was charged by complaint with unlawful possession of a destructive device and unlawful possession of a shortened shotgun. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. praised the bravery of the law enforcement officers involved in the incident, saying, 'Amidst the pandemic, the brave men and women of law enforcement continue to risk life and limb to keep our communities safe.'
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, the Niagara Falls Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Division, and the Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office.
Gandia's real full name is Jose M. Gandia, and he is a 47-year-old man from Niagara Falls, New York. He was arrested on March 25, 2020, and charged with unlawful possession of a destructive device and unlawful possession of a shortened shotgun. The maximum penalty for these charges is 10 years in prison.
Gandia's current status is not available.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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