“Frankenstein vehicles” found in the garden

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – New details have been released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department following the arrest of a man accused of running an illegal gas business and possessing stolen vehicles throughout the city. Las Vegas Valley.

Jose Hernandez, 48, is accused of modifying several different vehicles to store gasoline on his property, according to an arrest report.

Police first began investigating Hernandez after her daughter called the department, claiming her father broke into her home and stole her dog on April 5.

Officers searched the home and discovered a Ford F350 in the backyard that was reported stolen in August from a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, as well as a Dodge pickup truck reported stolen in Henderson in March. Hernandez’s daughter told police he often worked on vehicles in the backyard and added that he would buy gasoline and then resell it for a profit, according to the arrest report.

Officers continued their investigation and found several vehicles in various stages of disassembly or modification, in what appeared to be a shredder shop. They also found several trailers that had their VIN numbers removed.

Detectives referred to the modified vehicles as “Frankensteins” due to several different parts being removed and then added to different frames. According to police, this is a known tactic used by suspects to disguise vehicles.

Hernandez was found later that evening in Jean, Nevada, and taken into custody. He admitted to police that he knew the Dodge was stolen and claimed to have found a gun inside the vehicle.

Hernandez also told police he used the vehicles to make “tank trucks” for his illegal fuel business, according to the report.

Hernandez now faces charges including possession or operation of a vehicle chopping shop, and possession or transfer of stolen vehicles.