Tuckahoe police: LI man charged over large cache of weapons

The Tuckahoe Police Department arrested a 47-year-old Great Neck man on multiple criminal possession of a weapon charges Wednesday.

News 12 Staff

Aug 14, 2019, 7:06 PM

Updated 1,710 days ago

Share:

The Tuckahoe Police Department arrested a 47-year-old Great Neck plastic surgeon on multiple criminal possession of a weapon charges.

The arrest resulted from an investigation into a report that Dr. Matthew Bonanno made threats against his estranged wife, a Tuckahoe resident, and her family. Police say they were contacted by someone on Monday who heard the threats and believed that Bonanno was armed.

Police responded to Growler's Beer Bistro in Tuckahoe, where they say he was found to be illegally in possession of a loaded Glock semi-automatic handgun. Authorities say a search of his vehicle, which was parked outside his ex-wife's house, led to the discovery of fully loaded assault rifles, more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition, body armor, a stun gun and other paraphernalia. The vehicle was towed to the Tuckahoe police headquarters, where it is now evidence.

Police say Dr. Bonanno appeared drunk and in a state of crisis.

Police also used search warrants at two other properties owned by Dr. Bonanno. One of them is in Mount Pleasant and the other is in Great Neck, where police found more illegal weapons.

Assault rifles and smoke grenades were found in his apartment on East Shore Road in Great Neck.
Neighbors say police were at Bonanno's apartment for about five or six hours.
"It's just very scary that someone in your building would have all those weapons," said Heather Doyle of Great Neck. "And I have small children and to know that that's happening in your building--it's very upsetting."

Westchester District Attorney Anthony Scarpino says that it's cases like this that show the need for a red flag law, which will soon go into effect in the state of New York. It aims to help officials temporarily separate firearms from a person who may present a danger to themselves or others.

Scarpino is now looking into how and why Bonanno had these weapons. He says he is grateful for the person that called police.

News 12 spoke with Bonanno's ex-wife who said there wasn't any confrontation between the two prior to the incident.

He is currently being held without bail at the Westchester County Jail.

His next court date is Aug. 20 in Tuckahoe Village Court.


More from News 12
2:24
Long Island native ID'ed as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID'ed as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

2:01
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

1:00
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

2:19
New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

0:28
Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

0:23
Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:17
Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

0:23
Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road