Staten Island Reservoir’s Drop Reveals Tape‑wrapped Pistol and Brass Knuckles; Resident Says He Found Them After Silver Lake Water Level Fell
A Staten Island resident found a pistol and brass knuckles taped to a rock at Silver Lake Reservoir after the waterline fell about 8.5 feet due to conservation measures, prompting a police response and local concern.
Key takeaways
- What happened: Resident Chris Sammon discovered a taped bundle containing a pistol and brass knuckles exposed by a falling waterline at Silver Lake Reservoir (IJR).
- Water levels: The reservoir dropped roughly 8.5 feet, holding about 239.5 million gallons as of Dec. 17, down from 361.5 million gallons the previous October and well under its ~400-million-gallon capacity (IJR).
- Official response: Sammon alerted police and handed over the items; on‑scene officers and a former NYPD gun squad detective gave differing descriptions of the object, from a race‑starting gun to a possible Ruger .38 (IJR).
Main story
What was found and how
Lifelong Staten Island resident and keen fisherman Chris Sammon said he went to the newly exposed shoreline expecting typical debris. Instead he discovered a bundle “bundled something up and taped it to this rock with like a mile of tape,” he told local reporters.
Sammon said he feared the package could contain a decomposed animal or something tied to criminal activity, so he called police rather than handling the package further. He indicated he would have kept the brass knuckles if not for legal and safety concerns and handed the items to officers.
Descriptions from officers and a former detective
Responding officers described the object in ways that left room for interpretation. Some on‑scene officers thought it resembled a race‑starting gun — a small device that can look like a handgun from a distance — while a former NYPD gun squad detective who reviewed photos suggested it looked like a Ruger .38‑caliber handgun. These differing views highlight how uncertain lay descriptions can be without forensic testing.
“Descriptions can vary widely; forensic examination is needed to determine make, model, and any evidentiary value,” a law‑enforcement expert noted regarding the differing on‑scene and post‑photo impressions.
Why the water level fell
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) paused refilling Silver Lake Reservoir as part of conservation efforts. That decision led to the roughly 8.5‑foot drop, exposing rock, pipes and a variety of debris — from discarded phones and golf balls to the taped package. DEP has described Silver Lake as largely aesthetic for the neighborhood and has no immediate plans to refill it, while urging the public to avoid restricted areas.
Public reaction and safety concerns
The find generated local curiosity and unease. Residents walked the exposed shoreline despite posted warnings and fences, and neighborhood social media circulated photos and accounts. The discovery raised questions about public safety and the need to preserve potential evidence — concerns reflected in Sammon’s decision to contact police rather than disturb the items.
For authorities, weapon‑like objects on an exposed reservoir bed trigger questions about whether items were carelessly discarded long ago, lost, or connected to criminal activity.
What investigators could seek
As of available reporting, there are no public forensic results or confirmed links to crimes. Typical investigative steps would include:
- Securing the scene and documenting the item’s exact location.
- Submitting the weapon for ballistic comparison and testing.
- Checking for fingerprints and DNA and reviewing local crime reports.
- Canvassing the surrounding area and reviewing surveillance footage near park entrances.
No public record of those forensic outcomes has been published to date.
Context: what receding reservoirs can reveal
When water bodies fall, long‑buried items can reemerge — sometimes hazardous materials, personal items, or things tied to crimes. Silver Lake’s exposure revealed not only the taped package but discarded phones, infrastructure pipes and general litter, underscoring how urban water infrastructure can hide both everyday trash and potentially dangerous objects.
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Although Silver Lake Park is far from Huntington Beach, this incident carries practical lessons:
- Economic and public‑safety concerns: Parks and utilities should ensure clear signage, barriers and rapid law‑enforcement coordination when water levels expose previously submerged areas.
- Political and governance angle: Conservative local leaders may cite incidents like this when arguing for more funding for park security, perimeter fencing, and stricter maintenance protocols.
- Community action: Neighborhood groups should promote education on reporting suspicious finds and safe handling (i.e., do not touch; call police).
- Infrastructure planning: Water and parks managers must coordinate with police and public works when altering water levels to reduce risks and preserve evidence.
Reporting standards and what remains unknown
Available reporting does not confirm the pistol’s make, model, or any forensic history. Differing lay descriptions — from a race‑starting gun to a possible Ruger .38 — emphasize the need for formal testing by experts. Readers seeking updates should monitor official releases from the NYPD and the NYC DEP.
Source links and further reading
- IJR coverage of the Silver Lake Reservoir discovery
- AOL: possible related searches and finds (no direct link to this incident)
- AOL: examples of exposed remains and artifacts in receding water bodies
- UNILAD: related reporting referencing area searches and finds
Note: For authoritative updates on forensic testing, charges, or DEP actions, consult official NYPD and New York City Department of Environmental Protection releases.
