The 4th of July celebrations may be over, but the seizures of illegal fireworks continue in Santa Ana.
Yesterday, SAPD robbery detectives served a search warrant at a residence near 3rd St. and Bristol St., where they seized close to 4,000 lbs. of illegal fireworks. This was the largest seizure of the year so far!
This seizure happened in the Ward represented by Santa Ana City Councilman Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, an outspoken advocate for defunding the police.
Fortunately, the SAPD’s partners at the OC Sheriff’s Bomb Squad and the OCFA, Division 6, responded and safely secured the firework mortars.
Illegal fireworks in Orange County this 4th of July resulted in the death of an 8-year-old little girl in Buena Park and the arrest of a 13-year-old boy for starting a large brushfire in Laguna Hills.
Here’s a summary of the penalties the suspects could face for possessing 4,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in Santa Ana, California:
1. Local Penalties (Santa Ana city laws):
- Minimum fine: $1,000
- Up to 6 months in jail
2. State Penalties (California law):
- Possession of over 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks is a felony
- Fines up to $50,000
- Up to 3 years in state prison
3. Other Consequences:
- If the fireworks caused a fire or injury, the suspects could be held financially responsible for damage, medical costs, and emergency response
- Parents can be held liable if minors are involved
Because of the large amount (4,000 pounds), felony charges and significant prison time are likely.
I enjoy fireworks like a lot of people. But the deafening cacophony of illegal, bomb like, fireworks is simply out of control. What’s wrong with a couple of sparklers? Want to see bigger fireworks? Many cities in Orange County, including Santa Ana, have their own fireworks. Why not grab the family and watch one of those shows?
It’s a cultural shift we’re witnessing, as the meaning of the holiday is lost. The 4th used to be a family-friendly event to celebrate the birth of our nation with pride. We stopped teaching that narrative, so now it’s an anti-social, ruckus and rowdy event more akin to a street-takeover mentality.