Riverside police seize large quantity of illegal fireworks

Authorities have seized about 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in Riverside, city officials announced Tuesday.

Vincent Lozano III, 23, of Riverside, was arrested June 20 at his home in the 5800 block of Clifton Avenue in Riverside’s Hillside neighborhood and later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for possession dangerous fireworks, possession of destructive devices and weapons violations, according to the city’s announcement. Lozano was also suspected of child endangerment because the illegal fireworks were accessible to children living at the home. He was released the next day on $35,000 bail.

An investigation by the Riverside police and fire departments into the possible sales of illegal fireworks in the city identified the seller and his residence, according to the city. The West Post-Release & Accountability Team and the state Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with serving the search warrant.

Authorities seized almost 100 individual destructive devices, similar to M-80 style explosives, in addition to the many pounds of other fireworks. Evidence indicating the selling of the illegal fireworks was also found along with several firearms, some of which are illegal to possess in California.

“The City of Riverside reminds all residents that fireworks are illegal within city limits,” officials said in a statement. ” Anyone found using illegal fireworks could face a $1,5000 fine. The city has been actively working to reduce the usage of illegal fireworks, which can cause injuries, stress veterans with PTSD, terrify animals, and spark dangerous fires.”

To report illegal fireworks Riverside residents can use the Riverside 311 mobile app; call the 951-826-5311; report online at crmweb.riversideca.gov. Officials also said reporting illegal fireworks can also be done anonymously.

Authorities asked anyone with information on the illegal fireworks and destructive devices case to contact Officer J. Alter at JAlter@RiversideCA.gov or 951-351-6152, or Officer V. Schmitz at VSchmitz@RiversideCA.gov or 951-351-6404.

Anonymous tips can be left via the Riverside Police Department’s Atlas 1 mobile app utilizing the “Send a Message” feature.