A Hempstead man who is subject to removal by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) was arrested for allegedly forging a vehicle identification number during a traffic stop in Uniondale.
On May 20 at 11 p.m., Nassau County Patrol Officers observed a 2003 grey Honda CRV bearing a Virginia registration sticker traveling eastbound on Front Street. The investigation revealed that the Virginia registration actually came back to a 2009 Ford Suburban. Officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a Vehicle and Traffic Law stop at the intersection of Front Street and Chester Street.
Carlos Benitez-Reyes, 22, of 248 Amherst Street, did not possess any form of identification or a New York State driver’s license. During the investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle’s identification number had been defaced. Benitez-Reyes was placed under arrest and the vehicle was impounded.
Police charged Benitez-Reyes with Forgery of a Vehicle Identification Number and multiple Vehicle Traffic Law infractions. He was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to First District Court on June 2.
Further investigation revealed that Benitez-Reyes was not legally in the United States and is subject to removal proceedings. ICE took custody of the defendant.