Artist who paints with human blood arrested with stash of 'illegal weapons' in Staten Island, in overdose call

A New York artist who paints with human blood has been arrested after authorities responded to a call of an overdose at his Staten Island home and a cache of unregistered guns, officials said.

Paramedics were initially called to the home after receiving a report of an unconscious person. They found Vincent Castiglia, 42, a well-known tattoo artist and blood artist, according to police.

Officers were called to the scene while the unusual performer was receiving medical attention and were informed that a firearm had been seen in Castiglia’s room, sources say.

Officers discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson EZ Hanggun with one round in the chamber and seven rounds in the magazine next to his bed Sunday morning, prompting a search warrant to be executed Monday, the New York Post reported.

During the search, authorities seized additional firearms and ammunition, including a shotgun, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun with six rounds in the magazine, which were hidden inside a closet in his bedroom, the sources said.

Also seized were a .22-caliber KelTec pistol with a high-capacity magazine and a loaded .32-caliber Seecamp pistol in a vest in his bedroom, police said.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) praised the work of the officers involved, writing on X: “An overdose investigation leads to a search warrant that takes three guns and a LOT of ammo off the streets. Another job well done by the members of the 123rd!”

Castiglia told officials he had purchased and registered the KelTec pistol at a Florida shooting range. However, he was not licensed to possess firearms in New York City, according to the sources.

He was also charged with possession of weapons, possession of firearms and illegal possession of ammunition. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Castiglia is behind bars at Rikers Island with bail set at $100,000 or $20,000 cash.

The artist is due to appear in criminal court in St. George’s next Friday.

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