The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), along with the FBI and Clark County Fire Department, closed a complex investigation at a residence on Sugar Springs Drive in Northeast Las Vegas after receiving information that laboratory equipment and potentially hazardous materials may have been stored inside the home.
“A little over a week ago, LVMPD received information that laboratory equipment and potentially hazardous materials may have been stored inside the home,” police said in a statement posted on X.
California Biological Laboratory Case Link
As the investigation progressed, authorities discovered that the property owner was connected to the 2023 illegal biological laboratory investigation in Reedley, California.
In that case, investigators reportedly discovered materials “possibly associated with infectious diseases including hepatitis, COVID-19, HIV, malaria and other potentially dangerous pathogens,” the statement said.
While it was unclear if similar materials were located at the Las Vegas residence, police said the possibility requires investigators to “proceed with extreme caution.”
An anti-terrorist response was launched
Due to the potential risk, the LVMPD Anti-Terrorism Section and the ARMOR Task Force, in cooperation with the FBI and regional fire agencies, initiated a joint investigation and extensive operational planning.
“LVMPD and partner agencies have initiated a joint investigation and extensive operational planning to safely address the potential risk,” the department said.
SWAT search and evacuation
Early Saturday morning at 5:51 a.m., LVMPD SWAT served a search warrant at the residence. Three people who were renting rooms in the home were safely removed and “are not involved in the investigation,” police said.
Investigators then focused on a locked garage believed to contain the suspect materials.
Drones and robots used for security
To minimize the risk, police deployed aerial surveillance drones and a tactical robot to clear the interior and conduct air sampling before personnel entered.
“Once it was safe to proceed, the ARMOR team entered with protective gear,” LVMPD said.
Inside, investigators observed “refrigerators, a freezer, laboratory equipment, and numerous containers containing unknown liquid substances.”
Gathering and testing evidence
Due to the unknown nature of the materials, authorities conducted multiple controlled entries, followed strict security protocols and conducted extensive decontamination procedures.
The collection of evidence continued until Sunday, ending at approximately 6:30 p.m. The materials were transported to a Southern Nevada Health District facility for safe storage and are now being transported to an FBI lab for testing.
Arrest and Detention Status
Police said one suspect connected to the property owner “remains in federal custody related to the Reedley investigation.” Separately, LVMPD arrested 55-year-old Ori Solomon on charges of disposal and discharge of hazardous waste.
Officials emphasize coordination and technology
Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the operation involved a coordinated response from several local, state and federal agencies and emphasized the role of modern technology.
“Modern technology, including drones, robotics and real-time command monitoring, played a key role in protecting first responders while allowing the operation to move quickly and safely,” he said.
LVMPD added that remediation of the residence was completed early Monday, with final inspections confirming the site was safe, and thanked neighborhood residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the weekend.