Sunnyvale authorities thwart possible UPS workplace shooting

A correction to an earlier version of this article has been appended to the end of the article.

SUNNYVALE – Authorities have arrested a UPS employee and found more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition, nine guns and body armor while investigating threats of a workplace shooting.

About 8 p.m. Sunday, Sunnyvale police received a report from the United Parcel Service facility in Sunnyvale that an employee was sending threatening text messages. Authorities said the text messages indicated that the employee, identified as 31-year-old Sunnyvale resident Thomas Andrews, was planning a shooting at the facility.

An investigation revealed Andrews was the registered owner of four handguns and a rifle, authorities said.

Officers searched for Andrews and found him about 11:15 p.m. near Fair Oaks and East Maude avenues. Authorities said Andrews did not stop for officers and led them in a vehicle pursuit onto southbound Highway 101. The California Highway Patrol joined the chase, which ended in Andrews being safely taken into custody near Bailey Road.

Authorities said detectives served a search warrant at Andrews’ apartment and found more than 20,000 rounds of handgun and rifle ammunition; numerous high-capacity magazines; five “tactical-style” rifles, three handguns, a shotgun and body armor. In addition, several “tactical backpacks” containing ammunition were found near the front door.

Andrews was booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges of criminal threats, evading police, driving under the influence and weapons violations. He remains in custody on $500,000 bail.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information can contact Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Detective Barron Renzi at 408-730-7712 or brenzi@sunnyvale.ca.gov.

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