The First Squad Detectives report the arrest of a Hempstead man for Forgery of a Vehicle Identification Number that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 11:00 p.m. in Uniondale.
According to detectives, Patrol Officers observed a 2003 Grey Honda CRV bearing Virginia registration 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. Defendant 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. Defendant Benitez-Reyes was placed under arrest and the vehicle was impounded.
Defendant Benitez-Reyes was charged 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, 2025.
Further investigation revealed, that Defendant Benitez-Reyes was not legally in the United States and is subject to removal proceedings. US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) took custody of the defendant.