Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Authorities seize nearly 3,000 lbs of illegal Chinese fireworks near City of Industry
Deputies seized about 3,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from a residential garage near the City of Industry.
(
LA County Sheriff's Department, City of Industry
)
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies are trying to find out how three men near the City of Industry got hold of about 3,000 pounds of illegal Chinese fireworks.
Deputies on routine patrol Wednesday night discovered the fireworks after they saw the men firing them into the air on the 1400 block of Sandia Avenue in the unincorporated Valinda area.
The deputies arrested the men. During the investigation, the deputies spotted several boxes of fireworks in an open residential garage.
The department said a search warrant was served in order to remove the fireworks. The seized fireworks have been turned over to the L.A. County Fire Department.
"Some of them were the mortar style fireworks that shoot fiery projectiles into the air, and this was not the place for that. This was on a cul-de-sac and a heavy residential area. These were not trained or licensed fireworks practitioners,” said L.A. County Sheriff's Lt. John Babbitt.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the suspects. Two of the men were charged with misdemeanors unrelated to the fireworks incident, said Babbitt. The other one was charged with a felony for possessing explosives.
Last year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department seized over 20,000 pounds of illegal fireworks across the county in the weeks leading up to the 4th of July.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
