by Las Vegas, Nevada — Authorities are investigating a suspected illegal biological laboratory after more than 1,000 potentially hazardous samples were recovered from a residential garage in northeast Las Vegas, leading to the arrest of a local property manager and a multi-agency federal response.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials confirmed that the discovery followed a tip received in late January, prompting an investigation that quickly escalated due to the nature of the materials found and their apparent similarities to a previously shut-down illegal lab in California.
Investigation Began After Tip About Hazardous Materials
According to law enforcement, investigators received limited information indicating that laboratory equipment and unknown substances were being stored at a home located on Sugar Springs Drive. As detectives gathered more details, they determined the property was linked to the same individual connected to a 2023 illegal biolab investigation in Reedley, California.
That individual is currently in federal custody related to the California case and has pleaded not guilty, officials confirmed.
While that suspect was already incarcerated, investigators shifted their focus to others connected to the Las Vegas property.
Property Manager Arrested on Hazardous Waste Charges
Police announced the arrest of Ori Solomon, 55, identified as the property manager of the residence. Solomon was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on charges related to the disposing and discharging of hazardous waste.
Court records also show Solomon faces a separate federal charge for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Authorities did not specify how long Solomon had managed the property or whether he was directly involved in laboratory activities, stating that the investigation remains ongoing.
Garage Identified as Primary Lab Area
Investigators said the garage of the home appeared to be the central location for the suspected lab operations.
“Almost immediately, investigators observed multiple refrigerators, a freezer, and other laboratory-type equipment along with numerous bottles and jugs containing unknown liquid substances,”
— LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill
Read Also: Suburban Illinois Man Charged After Hidden Bathroom Camera Discovered During New Year’s Eve Party
Officials noted that the equipment and storage methods closely resembled those found in the Reedley lab case, raising immediate concerns.
When officers opened the refrigeration units, they reportedly found vials, containers, and liquids of varying colors and compositions, along with specialized lab equipment distributed throughout the garage.
FBI Confirms Presence of Specialized Equipment
The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the operation shortly after the discovery. FBI officials confirmed the presence of equipment typically associated with biological handling.
“Investigators identified a biosafety hood, a biosafety sticker, a centrifuge, multiple refrigerators, and refrigerated vials containing unknown liquids,” — FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto
Due to the unknown nature of the substances, authorities followed strict safety protocols during the collection process.
Residents Report Health Concerns and Restricted Access
According to court documents cited by local media, individuals who lived at the residence told investigators that the garage was always locked and inaccessible to them.
One resident described the area as having a strong, unpleasant odor, comparing it to a medical facility with stagnant air. Documents also state that two individuals became severely ill days after entering the garage, reportedly unable to get out of bed for an extended period.
Officials have not confirmed whether those illnesses are directly linked to the materials found.
Samples Transported for Federal Analysis
More than 1,000 samples were collected from the property and temporarily secured at the Southern Nevada Health District Laboratory before being transferred early Monday morning.
“All samples were carefully loaded into an FBI aircraft and transported to the National Bioforensic Analysis Center in Maryland,” — FBI officials
Authorities emphasized that testing will be conducted slowly and methodically to determine the nature of the substances.
Officials Say No Ongoing Risk to Public
Despite the alarming discovery, law enforcement reassured residents that there is no current safety threat to the neighborhood.
“Everything has been remediated, and there is no safety concern in the house or surrounding area,” — Sheriff Kevin McMahill
Officials said additional details will be released once testing is complete and results are confirmed.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Federal and local authorities continue to review evidence and assess whether additional charges or arrests may follow. Officials declined to speculate on what the materials were intended for, stressing that conclusions will depend on laboratory results.
“We understand the public wants answers, but cases like this require careful, deliberate analysis,” — FBI officials
Residents with concerns or additional information are encouraged to contact law enforcement.
What are your thoughts on how authorities should monitor and regulate potentially dangerous materials stored in residential areas? Share your perspective in the comments below.
