A large-scale law enforcement operation led to the seizure of over 1000 pounds of illegal fireworks and 100 destructive devices, as well as several firearms, in the Hillside neighborhood.
The bust, which took place on June 20, was the result of a joint effort by the Riverside Police Department's Technical Services Unit (TSU) and the Riverside Fire Department's Arson Investigations Unit. The operation was carried out with assistance from the West Post-Release & Accountability Team (PACT) and the California Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The illegal fireworks were found on the backyard patio of a home in the Hillside neighborhood where officers arrested the resident, Vincent Lozano III, 23. Lozano was also booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for child endangerment since the illegal fireworks and destructive devices were accessible to children living at the home. He was later released on $35,000 bail.
In the course of the investigation, officers also recovered several firearms, some of which are illegal to possess under California law. Police seized the fireworks and the firearms and booked Lozano into the Robert Presley Detention Center for processing.
The Riverside Police Department reminds residents that fireworks are illegal within city limits. Anyone found illegal fireworks could face a $1,500 fine. Residents are encouraged to report the use of fireworks via the 311 mobile app or website.
Reaccreditation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence highlights the department's handling of 43,000+ incidents, placing it among the top five fire agencies in California.
