Wild LI geezer built basement shooting range, gun lab stocked with arsenal of illegal weapons: DA
A Long Island man, Wen-Lone Chou, has been accused of turning his basement into a makeshift shooting range filled with a plethora of self-built machine guns, including a “weapon of mass killing.” The alarming discovery was made just steps away from several schools in Mineola, New York.
Chou, 67, allegedly operated a sophisticated gun lab inside his home, which was located near Chaminade High School, a local soccer field, and an elementary school. A 25-foot-long DIY shooting range was uncovered in his basement during a year-long investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Authorities arrested Chou after finding a significant cache of illegal firearms in his possession. The stash included seven assault-style rifles, a home-assembled fully automatic MP5-style weapon, a 9mm ghost gun with illegal parts, 78 high-capacity magazines hidden in the ceiling, six suppressors, around 6,000 rounds of ammunition, and a rapid-fire switch capable of converting rifles into machine guns.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly expressed her shock at the proximity of Chou’s illegal activities to the nearby schools. The only legal weapon found in the house was an old bolt-action hunting rifle. Additionally, investigators discovered five completed lower frames, parts for assembling more firearms, and a device that could turn semi-automatic rifles into fully automatic weapons.
The most alarming discovery was a fully functioning 25-foot underground firing tunnel in Chou’s basement. The walls were lined with tarps to contain debris and sound, and a thick plywood target was riddled with bullet holes. Chou allegedly used suppressors to muffle the noise of gunfire to avoid detection by neighbors and children in the area.
The investigation began in January 2025 after Chou’s suspicious online purchases of gun parts from multiple retailers. Prosecutors noted that his purchasing pattern raised red flags for law enforcement. Furthermore, Chou’s pistol permit had been revoked in 1999 following a domestic incident, adding to concerns about his escalating firearms purchases.
Authorities are now trying to determine whether Chou’s actions were simply those of an enthusiast gone too far or if there was a more sinister motive behind his activities. While there is no evidence of weapon sales or planned attacks, Chou has pleaded not guilty in court. His bail was set at $250,000 cash, $625,000 bond, or $1.25 million partially secured, and he was ordered to surrender his passport. If convicted, Chou could face up to 15 years in prison.
