By Racine Guajardo

Chino- The Chino Police Department has partnered with the Chino Valley Fire District to confiscate illegal fireworks off the streets. This operation resulted in nearly 600 pounds of illegal fireworks taken, which was more than double the amount from previous years.

Fire Chief Tim Shackelford says, “The illegal fireworks confiscated by the Chino Police Department will go a long way toward keeping the communities we serve safe during this Fourth of July holiday. Illegal fireworks not only compromise your own safety, but also the safety of others. They can cause serious injuries and can cause devastating fires.”

Within one week, three different operations were conducted where officers responded to online sales advertisement for fireworks.

The first response was on June 22, which netted approximately 25 pounds of illegal fireworks. The suspect was identified as Raymond Flores, 21-year-old resident of Chino, who was booked into West Valley Detention Center for three violations: advertise sales of dangerous fireworks without a permit, sales of dangerous fireworks without a permit, and possession of dangerous fireworks without a permit.

The second response was on June 24, which netted 500 pounds of illegal fireworks. The suspect identified as Lauro Aguirre, 32 years-old of Chino, was booked into West Valley Detention Center for two violations: possession of dangerous fireworks over 100 pounds and possession of explosives.

The third response was on June 28, which netted approximately 40 pounds of illegal explosives. The suspect was identified as Francisco Morales, 26 years-old of Chino Hills, and was booked into West Valley Detention Center for three violations: advertising sale of fireworks, sale of dangerous fireworks without permit, and possess dangerous fireworks without a permit.

“We are very pleased with the results of the pre fourth of July operations. Make no mistake; Chino PD will continue to strictly enforce the city ordinance as it relates to fireworks. While safe and sane are legal, inappropriate use of “safe and sane” fireworks and possession or use of illegal fireworks will not be tolerated in Chino. These operations are just the beginning of our commitment to making sure the chino community celebrates responsibly,” states Police Chief Karen Comstock.