Crime & Safety
Big Illegal Fireworks Bust Resulted From Anonymous Tip To Police
New Rochelle police said two men are facing charges after being caught with a substantial stash of fireworks in their vehicle.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Police say two New Rochelle men's big plans for the 4th of July fizzled, thanks to a tip from an alert neighbor.
On Tuesday, shortly before 5 p.m., New Rochelle police received a tip that large boxes of fireworks were being loaded into a van on St John’s Place. When officers arrived to investigate, they spotted a van driving near the area mentioned by the anonymous caller.
After stopping the van, the officers spotted large boxes of fireworks in plain view, according to police. Two New Rochelle men in the van, Paul Fortuna, 60, and Michael Porretto, 53, were arrested. The fireworks were seized and later secured by the Westchester County Police Hazardous Device Unit.
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Fortuna and Porretto were charged with misdemeanor unlawfully dealing with fireworks and dangerous fireworks.
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