The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have arrested a man in connection with an early-morning explosion that damaged Piero’s Italian Cuisine near the Strip.
Authorities booked the suspect on multiple felony charges related to the incident.
Details of the Arrest in Piero’s Italian Cuisine Explosion Case
On Saturday, John Navarro was taken into custody by Las Vegas Metro officers in connection with the Nov. 13 explosion at Piero’s Italian Cuisine on Convention Center Drive. Navarro, 35, is charged with several serious offenses. These include possessing and manufacturing an explosive device, first-degree arson, and using an incendiary device to damage property.
He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit arson, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and possession of a controlled substance. Additional charges include possession of a stolen vehicle and operating a vehicle chop shop.
The arrest was confirmed in an official announcement by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The document stated that investigators identified Navarro as one of two suspects who reportedly placed a package outside the restaurant door early Thursday before it exploded.
Piero’s Restaurant Explosion Investigation Underway
According to law enforcement, the incident occurred just after 2:19 a.m. when two men dressed in black approached Piero’s Italian Cuisine. While one was on foot, the other rode a scooter. One of the suspects placed a suspicious package at the restaurant’s entrance and appeared to light a fuse before both fled the scene.
A few minutes later, the package detonated. The building was unoccupied, so thankfully no one was injured. The explosion was only reported later in the morning when the restaurant’s cleaning crew arrived around 10:36 a.m. and discovered signs of damage. The situation drew more concern due to its location, which raised questions about the motive. Piero’s Italian Cuisine is situated approximately a block from Las Vegas Boulevard, which is lined with the city’s casinos and hotels.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill has stated that the investigation involves multiple agencies. These include the LVMPD’s ARMOR Section, the Counterterrorism Unit, the FBI, and the ATF.
As we reported, Piero’s is well known after it was featured in the 1995 movie Casino, starring Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone.
Public Safety Assurance After Arrest
Following the arrest, Las Vegas Metro officials reiterated that no ongoing threat to public safety has been identified. Sheriff McMahill assured the community that the incident appears to be isolated. In court, Navarro is being held on a $100,000 bail, according to court records.
Metro police have asked anyone with information related to the case to call their detectives at 702-828-7777.
Alternatively, people can submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
