Mesa police arrest 3 men suspected of possessing illegal fireworks

Three men were arrested during two traffic stops over the weekend in Mesa and face charges of possessing illegal fireworks, police said.

Officers pulled over a vehicle June 8 for having a suspended license plate, authorities stated in a release.

While speaking to the driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Ruiz, and passenger, Carlos Barron, 47, “officers saw boxes of illegal fireworks in the vehicle,” according to the release.

“Officers learned that Ruiz bought the fireworks in New Mexico, and he and Barron had hopes of selling them for profit in Mesa.”

Police seized more than 50 suspected high-explosive devices and booked both men into jail for possession of illegal fireworks and illegal fireworks for sale, officials said.

Just hours after the first stop, Mesa police officers stopped another vehicle for displaying plates not valid for highway use. Officers saw boxes of illegal fireworks in the bed of the truck, according to the release.

While speaking to the driver, Ivan Mejia, 27, officers said they learned he bought the fireworks in Nevada and was selling them to people online. Officers seized more than 20 suspected high-explosive devices and booked Mejia into jail for possession of illegal fireworks and illegal fireworks for sale, police said.

For more information on fireworks: https://fire.mesaaz.gov/community-outreach/fireworks