UNIONDALE — A 22-year-old Hempstead man was arrested Tuesday night after police discovered a vehicle with a defaced identification number during a traffic stop.
According to Nassau County Police detectives, patrol officers observed a 2003 gray Honda CRV with Virginia registration traveling eastbound on Front Street at approximately 11:00 p.m. on May 20.
Officers determined the Virginia registration plates actually belonged to a 2009 Ford Suburban.
After activating emergency lights, officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Front Street and Chester Street.
The driver, identified as Carlos Benitez-Reyes, did not possess any form of identification or a New York State driver’s license.
During the investigation, officers discovered the vehicle’s identification number had been defaced.
Benitez-Reyes was placed under arrest and the vehicle was impounded.
He has been charged with forgery of a vehicle identification number and multiple vehicle traffic law infractions.
Further investigation revealed Benitez-Reyes was not legally in the United States and is subject to removal proceedings.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken custody of Benitez-Reyes.
