Two individuals reported getting sick after entering the garage of a Las Vegas home now under investigation as a suspected biological laboratory. The illnesses occurred several days after exposure to the space, which was later raided by law enforcement. It contained possible hazardous materials linked to a prior bio lab case in California.
The Vegas Bio Lab Is Linked To Previoius A Illness and Health Scare
Court records reviewed by police show that a former housecleaner and a handyman both fell severely ill after entering the locked garage of a northeast Las Vegas property. Presently, authorities suspect that an illegal biological lab was operating. Both victims reportedly experienced breathing issues, fatigue, and muscle aches, and were unable to get out of bed days after their visit.
According to the report, the cleaner, identified only by the pseudonym “Kelly,” noticed a foul, hospital-like smell in the garage. It contained refrigerators, freezers, glass beakers containing a reddish liquid, and a biological safety cabinet believed to be associated with lab activity. Both she and the handyman reported similar symptoms after their visit. Authorities noted that Solomon’s wife also became sick following her time in the garage.
Police also said people who had lived inside the house periodically reported health issues. One resident was hospitalized with severe respiratory problems. “Kelly said a lot of people who have lived inside the house have gotten sick,” the documents stated, adding that unusual environmental factors like dead crickets were found in areas of the home.
The home, located near North Hollywood Boulevard and East Washington Avenue, was later searched by SWAT and FBI agents after a tip to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Investigators found equipment and substances that prompted the current federal probe.
The Explosive Search
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence on January 31 after intelligence indicated an illegal laboratory was operating on the property. Officers located multiple refrigerators and freezers containing vials and containers of unknown liquids, laboratory equipment, and other materials consistent with potential biological activity.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto and Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that officers found more than 1,000 potentially hazardous samples. They collected the items and sent them to the National Bioforensic Analysis Center for testing, with no immediate public threat identified.
Furthermore, authorities arrested the property manager, 55-year-old Ori Solomon, on charges including felony disposal and discharge of hazardous waste. Prosecutors also noted that Solomon, who is on a non-immigrant work visa, was prohibited from possessing firearms but had several in the home at the time of the raid.
Link to Previous California Bio Lab
Investigators say the equipment and materials found in the Vegas garage were similar to those discovered during a 2023 federal investigation into an illegal bio lab in Reedley, California. That operation, linked to owner Jia Bei Zhu, uncovered thousands of vials with labels suggesting possible pathogens and unauthorized medical devices. Zhu is scheduled for trial in California later this year.
During that investigation, officials found extensive laboratory gear, including freezers, test kits, and hundreds of laboratory mice reportedly used for disease research. Federal authorities and local officials have since worked to reassure the public that Reedley, California, remains safe and that the materials were removed and disposed of properly.
Though Zhu remains in custody and his attorney denies involvement in the Nevada case, court documents indicate that Solomon may have been in contact with the prior lab’s operators. For now, authorities continue to analyze the dozens of samples collected in the Las Vegas bio lab.
