A statement from the Troopers says on Monday, Dec. 14, at about 12:30 p.m., the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit directed a tractor-trailer into the Depew Tandem Lot at exit 49 on Interstate 90, for a commercial vehicle inspection. Upon interviewing the driver, probable cause to search the interior of the vehicle was established, according to the Troopers.
The driver, Zayne R. Coston, 28, of Gary, Indiana, was taken into custody after Troopers discovered four semi-automatic assault rifles (one loaded), four semi-automatic handguns (three of which were loaded), 13 high capacity magazines, three of the magazines were charged with several rounds, and various other caliber ammunition. He was transported to the Buffalo State Police Post for processing.
After further investigation, it was determined that Coston has a criminal history in the state of Illinois where he is a convicted felon, therefore he was subsequently charged with 5 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon second degree; Class C Felonies, 17 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree; Class D Felonies, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm; a Class E Felony.
Coston was virtually arraigned and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $10,000 cash bail. He was to appear in the Erie County Court today.