Confusion about the identity of a man arrested for owning and storing an arsenal of weapons at a New York self-storage facility has led authorities to request DNA tests.
The man, who calls himself James ODonnell, 39, was arrested March 16 on eight counts of weapons possession and an ammunition possession offense. When arrested, ODonnell was carrying two firearms and a dagger. Police then searched a unit ODonnell rented at Manhattan Mini Storage and discovered an arsenal of guns, ammunition and knives. Hes being held on $2 million bail.
Now authorities are questioning ODonnells identity. There is no Social Security number or official form of identification to match him to a real person, according to authorities. Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Lewis Bart Stone said during ODonnells court appearance Thursday theres concern about ODonnells previous whereabouts and activities.
ODonnell, who speaks with an accent authorities have yet to decipher, has been traced to Germany, where he allegedly has a robbery conviction, prosecutors said.
The judge has given O'Donnell a Feb. 20 deadline to consent to the DNA test. If he refuses, the court may force him to submit to the test.
