A 20-year-old Carson City man arrested Wednesday night after being stopped in a vehicle without plates, is believed to be responsible for a burglary at True Value hardware and an attempted robbery and shooting at Carson Coffee, according to authorities.
Jermaine Hoffman is being held in the Carson City Jail on suspicion of six counts of felony possession of stolen weapons, gross misdemeanor possession of burglary tools, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, driving under the influence of a controlled substance and driving without insurance.
The vehicle he was driving was stopped after Deputy Sal Acosta noticed the 1989 Cadillac Deville about 8 p.m. pulling out of the Carson Mall parking lot without license plates.
Acosta said at Tenth and Curry streets a passenger in the vehicle got out and ran inside the the Carson Station Casino, then the vehicle turned left onto Curry Street.
Acosta stopped the vehicle, and found Jermaine Hoffman, 20, in the driver's seat.
Hoffman, on probation for unknown charges, admitted to drinking beer and smoking marijuana, said Acosta.
During a search of the vehicle, a duffel bag was found containing bolt cutters, masks, a wig and six guns with serial numbers that matched those stolen from the burglary at the True Value hardware store last month, said Acosta.
Hoffman also was allegedly found to have a small bag of marijuana on him.
Two search warrants were conducted late last night and four more of the stolen weapons were recovered, according to Capt. Ken Sandage.
Hoffman also allegedly confessed to the Jan. 30 attempted robbery of Carson Coffee on North Carson Street, said Sheriff Ken Furlong.
The robber fled without anything after firing two shots at the shop owner and missing.
In January, at least 12 Carson City businesses fell victim to late night burglaries. Officials thought the crimes were related because entry into the business was gained by smashing through windows or glass doors.
It's not clear if Hoffman is connected to any other burglaries.