Nassau Driver Stopped Without ID, Defaced Vehicle Identification: PD

UNIONDALE, NY — A Hempstead man was arrested for forgery of a vehicle identification number (VIN) on Tuesday night in Uniondale.

Officers on patrol spotted a gray 2003 Honda CRV with Virginia registration, police said.

An investigation revealed the Virginia registration was for a 2009 Ford Suburban, police said.

Officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Front Street and Chester Street.

Carlos Benitez-Reyes, 22, did not have any form of identification or a New York State driver’s license, authorities said.

During the investigation it was discovered that the vehicle’s identification number had been defaced, police said.

Benitez-Reyes was placed under arrest and the vehicle was impounded.

He was charged with forgery of a vehicle identification number and multiple vehicle traffic law infractions.

Benitez-Reyes was issued an appearance ticket for June 2.

Further investigation revealed, that Benitez-Reyes was not legally in the U.S. and is subject to removal proceedings, police said.

US Immigration Customs Enforcement agents took custody of Benitez-Reyes.