South Gate Police Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks

The South Gate Police Department (SGPD) is on high alert and is keeping a close eye on firework laws as we get close to July 4^th. The SGPD has already made arrests and warns residents that more will be made if the laws are broken.

“As a general rule all fireworks that fly, or make loud noises are illegal,” said Captain Keith Hupp of the SGPD. “These types of illegal fireworks frequently cause structure fires.”

The only public displays with flying fireworks permitted are those that are licensed by the state of California. The 4^th of July fireworks show expected at South Gate Park is one such example.

Last week, on June 22^nd, the SGPD fireworks detail arrested two people in an undercover raid at private South Gate residence. In the raid two people were arrested and large box of fireworks was seized.

“A search warrant was written for the residence and a large amount of illegal fireworks was seized,” said Hupp. “Both [suspects] were booked at the South Gate Police Station and are facing criminal charges.”

Only licensed stands are permitted to sell fireworks within South Gate. The fireworks sold at these stands have the State of California Fire Marshals sticker and have a notation that they are deemed “safe and sane.”

The fines for possession or the sale of illegal fireworks can range from $500 to $1,000, as well as up to a year in County Jail.  

The SGPD usually receives over 100 calls a year in regards to the use of illegal fireworks.  Officers have been ordered to confiscate all illegal fireworks and to issue citations or make arrests for possession of illegal fireworks. 

Residents or those with information on the selling or possession of illegal fireworks are encouraged to contact the SGPD at (323) 563-5436.

Keep up with South Gate Patch Latino by subscribing to breaking news alerts, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Have an event or announcement you'd like to publicize? Submit them for free.