Minivan Full Of Illegal Fireworks Seized In Woodridge, Man Arrested: Police

WOODRIDGE, IL — Woodridge Police arrested a man who had a minivan stacked to the ceiling with illegal fireworks Tuesday. Law enforcement responded to a report of suspicious activity at 5:30 p.m. to find Tareq Ewaida, 30, allegedly unloading boxes of illegal fireworks from a van at the 3400 block of 83rd Street in Woodridge.

In a press release, police said Ewaida was in possession of various types of fireworks and mortar style fireworks, which are illegal in both Woodridge and Illinois. Woodridge Police confiscated the fireworks and took Ewaida into custody. He has been charged with the illegal possession, sale or use of fireworks. The confiscated fireworks will be disposed of by the DuPage County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Unit.

Police Chief Brian Cunningham thanked the community for reporting this suspicious activity and keeping public safety as a top priority as July 4 approaches. He said, “We appreciate receiving crime tips such as this one that resulted in an arrest,” adding, “Only a few types of novelty fireworks are legal in Illinois, such as sparklers and snakes, and even those are dangerous. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in a safe and legal manner – one example is to attend the Woodridge and Downers Grove fireworks show on the Fourth of July. Fireworks are simply dangerous unless handled by experienced professionals.”

Photo credit: Woodridge Police Department