South Gate Police Nabs 4 in Illegal Fireworks Bust

Last night, the South Gate Police Department (SGPD) arrested 4 people in connection with the sale and purchase of illegal fireworks. The illegal fireworks were being sold at a South Gate home

“Undercover officers contacted the seller posing as a buyer and agreed to make a purchase at a later time,” said Captain Keith Hupp of the SGPD. “The suspect provided a residential address in South Gate.”

At approximately 8:00 p.m. undercover officers arrived to a residence located at the 2900 block of Illinois Avenue, and allegedly purchased a box of illegal fireworks.  The box is said to have contained artillery Shells, Roman Candles and several other illegal fireworks.

“With the assistance of other detectives, the location was monitored further.” Said Capt. Hupp. “Another illegal fireworks sale appeared to occur and was observed by undercover officers.”

The SGPD went on to arrest the male suspect associated with the supposed sale, who had pulled to the home in a white van, and was allegedly seen making a purchase.

“A short time later the van left the location and was stopped by officers,” said Capt. Hupp. “A suitcase of illegal fireworks was located in the van [and the] driver was arrested.”

Shortly after arresting this suspect, at around 9:00 p.m. officers went into the home, at 2900 block Illinois Avenue, and arrested three suspects in connection with the sale of illegal fireworks.

“This investigation resulted in a total of four arrests for illegal fireworks possession and sales,” said Cpt. Hupp. “All off the seized fireworks were taken to the Los Angeles County Fire Station #54 to be safely destroyed.”

The SGPD plans to continue its crackdown on illegal firework sales.

“[We] will continue to aggressively investigate the sales or use of illegal fireworks and make arrests when necessary,” said Capt. Hupp. “Illegal fireworks activity should be reported to your local law enforcement agency”.

Below is a list of fireworks that were allegedly seized by the SGPD during this operation:

 Two boxes of Artillery Shells (skyrockets)

 Two packages of Roman Candles

 Two packages misc. fireworks

 Six boxes Saturn missile sky rockets

 One 36 shot gun shot flaming balls

 One silver eagle flaming balls

 Numerous packages of Moon Travelers bottle rockets

 Numerous packages of Chinese firecrackers

 Numerous packages of Spring Butterflies

 Three boxes of 144 ct. bottle rockets

 Four boxes of 6 ct. Artillery Shells

 Four packages of Roman Candles

 Two (6 pack) of Roman Candles

 Three packages of 12 ct. bottle rockets

 Four packages of 6 ct. Morning Glories

 Two packs of Thunderous Salutes firecrackers

 One firecracker hexagon firecracker roll

 Flaming Ball 1-7 shot garden spring

 One girl power shower fountain

 One pack 12 ct. M-60 firecrackers

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

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