Illegal Fireworks Seized; Hunt On For Gilroy Suspect

GILROY, CA -- Police say a Gilroy man is wanted on suspicion of weapons violations and possession of illegal fireworks after authorities seized multiple firearms and a stash of more than 300 fireworks from a Gilroy residence.

Initially, according to Gilroy police, investigators with Gilroy Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team as well as the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team went Friday to a residence in the 6900 block of Sussex Place in Gilroy for the purpose of serving a narcotics-related search warrant.

But once inside the home, investigators discovered and seized five semi-automatic handguns, a high-power rifle and approximately 336 pounds of illegal fireworks, the majority of which police allege were aerial fireworks -- possession of which is a felony crime in California.

As a result, police say a 34-year-old resident of the home, Jonathan Wright, is now wanted on suspicion of weapons and illegal fireworks related crimes.

Police were continuing their investigation and asked anyone with pertinent information to call 408-846-0350.

Gilroy police also reminded the public that "safe and sane" fireworks are permitted within certain areas of the city of Gilroy this weekend and through midnight on Tuesday, July 4, but only if the fireworks have a stamp of approval from the California State Fire Marshal.

For more information about fireworks dos and don'ts in Gilroy, as well as the 16 community groups approved to sell them, click here.

Photos via Gilroy Police Department