Two Hospitalised After Exposure to Illegal Las Vegas Bio Lab Linked to California Case
Two people became "deathly ill" after being exposed to an illegal biological laboratory operating from a residential property in Las Vegas, according to recent reports. Authorities have connected this alarming discovery to a previous case in California, raising serious concerns about public health and safety violations.
Dangerous Discovery in Residential Garage
During a search of the Las Vegas home on Saturday, investigators discovered refrigerators containing numerous vials with unknown liquids. Las Vegas Metro Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that these findings were "consistent in appearance to the items found and described in the Reedley, California, lab investigation." The property, which had been used as a short-term rental, contained three refrigerators and beakers holding a "reddish liquid" in the garage area.
Connection to Previous California Investigation
Authorities have identified the home's owner as David He, 62, also known as Jia Bei Zhu, who was arrested in 2023 for allegedly operating an illegal bio lab in Reedley, California. A congressional report from that year indicated the Reedley lab contained vials labeled with dangerous pathogens including HIV, tuberculosis, and the deadliest known form of malaria. Between December 2020 and March 2023, He and his business partner Zhaoyan Wang allegedly manufactured and distributed misbranded medical devices while making false statements to the Food and Drug Administration.
Cleaner's Tip Leads to Investigation
The investigation began on January 9 when the FBI received a tip from a cleaner who reported lab equipment and medical waste at the Las Vegas property. The cleaner described the garage as smelling "like a hospital — not like a clean hospital but more of a foul, stale, stagnant air smell." Days after entering the garage, both the cleaner and another person hired by property manager Ori Solomon fell seriously ill, becoming so unwell they "could not get out of bed." The home reportedly caused illness in several other individuals as well.
Arrests and Charges
Authorities arrested Ori Solomon, 55, believed to be managing the Las Vegas property for David He. Solomon faces a felony charge of disposing of or discharging hazardous waste, specifically related to improper storage and disposal of hydrochloric acid. Additionally, Solomon—who was in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa—was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, as his immigration status prevents firearm ownership. He made a brief appearance in federal court Tuesday, with proceedings delayed until Friday, and authorities indicate more charges are likely forthcoming.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
David He remains in federal custody following his 2023 arrest and has pleaded not guilty to charges in the Reedley case. His attorney, Tony Capozzi, has stated He has no connection to the Las Vegas investigation, though authorities report He instructed Solomon to manage his properties and transfer money while awaiting trial. The Independent has reached out to Capozzi for further comment on these developments.
This case highlights significant concerns about illegal biological laboratories operating in residential areas and the potential public health risks they pose to unsuspecting individuals and communities.
