3 arrested in Bronx with stash of loaded, defaced guns

Three people were arrested in the Bronx after police found a cache of firearms, including defaced handguns and semi-automatic rifles, stashed in a closet and hamper in their apartment, according to court records.

Prosecutors said two minors were present during the raid. An evidence photo released by the Bronx District Attorney’s office shows three rifles laid across a Spider-Man blanket, along with pistols stuffed in a duffel bag and loose magazines in a cardboard box.

Pascasio Christopher, 21, Jose Arredondo, 43 and Bethzaida Sierra, 45, were arrested early Wednesday morning at a South Bronx apartment on Brook Avenue. All three were charged with multiple counts of criminal weapon possession and pleaded not guilty.

Attorneys for the defendants either declined to comment or did not respond to messages.

Police said they executed a search warrant just after 5 a.m. and found two semi-automatic rifles, one with a folding stock and detachable magazine, as well as at least five loaded handguns, including one found in a bedroom hamper with its serial number removed, according to court documents.

Officers also recovered more than 100 boxes of ammunition, including buckshot and high-powered rifle rounds.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark’s office said it sought bail for Arredondo at $500,000 cash or $1.5 million bond, but a judge set it at $10,000 cash, $30,000 bond or $20,000 partially secured bond. Sierra was held on $4,000 cash bail, while Christopher received the same bail as Arredondo.

The other two defendants had not yet been arraigned as of Thursday afternoon, the DA’s office said.