Patterson Man Arrested on Gun Charges After Allegedly Making Racist Remarks

A Patterson man who allegedly said that he wanted to “shoot all Spanish-speaking people,” at a local market was later arrested on gun possession charges.

Recently, members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Putnam Lake Market located at on Fairfield Drive in Patterson for reports of a suspicious male.

When police arrived the man was gone. An employee of the market told the deputy that she was speaking to another employee in Spanish when a man confronted her and said, “this is our country, we speak English here.” The man allegedly then claimed that he “wants to shoot all Spanish speaking people”.

An investigation revealed the man was 56-year-old Wayne Rossi, of Patterson. Officials soon found Rossi, who allegedly admitted to having confronted the store employee, police say.

As authorities investigated more, they learned that Rossi, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of a .22 caliber rifle. Because he is a convicted felon, Rossi is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, police say.

Rossi was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation. His prior conviction wasn’t released.

Rossi was arraigned in Town of Patterson Court and committed to the Putnam County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 bail or $1,500. He’s due in court on Jan. 10.