CORTLANDT, NY — New York State Police from the Cortlandt Barracks arrested a 57-year-old man on multiple weapons and hate crime charges on January 16, 2026.
Sean C. Pearson, of Cortlandt, faces charges of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (hate crime), a class B felony; Menacing 2nd (hate crime), a class E felony; Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (assault rifle), a class D felony; and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (high-capacity magazine), a class D felony.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. on January 16, 2026, Pearson entered the Sunoco gas station located at 2148 Albany Post Road in the town of Cortlandt, Westchester County.
Pearson approached two individuals, made derogatory statements regarding their national origin, displayed a handgun, and fled the scene.
Following an investigation, troopers and investigators conducted a search of Pearson’s residence, where a loaded .380-caliber pistol, an unregistered assault rifle, and a high-capacity magazine were located.
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.
Pearson is scheduled to appear in court on January 26, 2026, at 10 a.m.
