Las Vegas man accused of operating illegal gas business, creating ‘Frankenstein vehicles’

‘Frankenstein vehicles’ observed in yard

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – New details have been introduced by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Law enforcement Section adhering to the arrest of a guy accused of managing an illegal gasoline organization and possessing stolen cars from across the Las Vegas valley.

Jose Hernandez, 48, is accused of modifying numerous distinctive autos to keep gasoline on his residence, according to an arrest report.

Law enforcement at first began investigating Hernandez immediately after his daughter known as the department, proclaiming her father experienced damaged into her residence and stolen her canine on April 5.

Officers searched the household and discovered a Ford F350 in the backyard that experienced been noted stolen in August from a Las Vegas Strip hotel, along with a Dodge pickup noted stolen in Henderson in March. Hernandez’s daughter informed police that he generally operates on vehicles in the yard, and included that he would invest in gasoline and then offer it at a gain, according to the arrest report.

Officers continued their investigation and identified various autos in different phases of disassembly or modification, in what resembled a chop shop. They also found various trailers with VIN quantities removed.

Detectives referred to the modified autos as “Frankensteins” because of to quite a few diverse components remaining taken off and then extra to unique frames. Police say this is a recognised tactic applied by suspects to disguise autos.

Hernandez was found later that night in Jean, Nevada, and taken into custody. He admitted to police that he understood the Dodge was stolen, and claimed he uncovered a firearm inside of the motor vehicle.

Hernandez also instructed police he made use of the motor vehicles to make “fuel trucks” for his illegal gas company, in accordance to the report.

Hernandez now faces prices which include, possessing or functioning a vehicle chop shop, and possession or transfer of stolen autos.