Armed Man Threatens to ‘Vaporize’ People on Martha’s Vineyard
A retired NYPD officer, David Anthony Capato, 57, of Edgartown, was arrested for making terroristic threats and brandishing firearms at the Steamship Authority terminal in Vineyard Haven. Capato allegedly threatened to “vaporize” anyone who came near his vehicle, claiming to have explosives and guns in his possession.
Police Response and Arrest
The Tinsbury police received a call around 9 p.m. reporting an unloaded revolver with a lock on it found at the Steamship Authority. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered that Capato had initially reported the gun but later threw it into a mailbox near the terminal and retreated to his car. Capato then informed the police of the presence of multiple guns and an explosive device in his vehicle, warning that he would “vaporize” anyone who approached, claiming to have a trigger.
Concerned about the potential threat, the police cleared the terminal area and called in a tactical response team. After hours of negotiation, Capato was peacefully taken into custody. The state police bomb squad conducted a thorough search but found no explosive devices in Capato’s vehicle or the surrounding area. However, they did recover an M4 assault rifle from his car and a revolver from a USPS mailbox outside the terminal.
Court Proceedings and Investigation
During the court hearing, Assistant District Attorney John Wheatley revealed that Capato, a former New York police officer who retired in 2011, informed the officers of his experience in disposing of explosive ordnances. Capato faces multiple charges, including making terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, improper storage of firearms, and witness intimidation. The judge ordered Capato to be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
The investigation is ongoing and involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, to ensure the safety and security of the community.
