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Crime

Las Vegas police discover severed head during unrelated traffic stop

The man "threw various items at officers in an attempt to flee" before being arrested, officers report

December 26, 2021 5:25pm

Updated: December 27, 2021 12:13pm

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officers discovered human remains – including a severed head – in coolers in the back of a truck during a traffic stop. 

Officers on Thursday attempted to stop a truck, which fled away. The driver was later identified as Eric Holland, 57. An air unit following Holland noticed he then switched trucks.

Police attempted to stop him again in the new truck, but he evaded capture. The air unit followed the truck to an apartment complex. 

According to a department press release, Holland then "threw various items at officers in an attempt to flee, but he was taken into custody" for several outstanding warrants.

During an investigation following Holland's arrest, officers discovered that both trucks were previously reported as stolen. Human remains were found in the bed of one truck.

Holland was named as a homicide suspect in the ongoing investigation. Officers stated the victim's identity and cause of death will be released at a later date by the Clark County Coroner's office. 

Sources told Las Vegas KLAS that the remains include a severed head. Holland's court date is set for Monday, and he faces charges of open murder.