Undercover Investigators Make Arrests and Confiscate Illegal Fireworks
Photo: confiscated illegal fireworks
CONCORD — Undercover investigators from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) have arrested three persons for illegal fireworks. They also confiscated boxes of fireworks estimated to be worth thousands of dollars.
Fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County, and extreme drought conditions make fireworks dangerous fire hazards. Fireworks enforcement operations are presently underway as the Fourth of July approaches.
Investigators recently purchased illegal fireworks in Pittsburg and confiscated fireworks from two residences. This investigation is ongoing.
On June 21, Con Fire arrested Thomas Daeshawn, 22 of Concord, and seized 90 pounds of fireworks. Daeshawn was contacted by Con Fire investigators who saw a social media post advertising illegal fireworks for sale.
Daeshawn was cited for multiple charges related to unlawful sale, possession, and transfer of fireworks without a permit.
On June 17, Con Fire investigators arrested 25-year-old Kevin Thomas of Pittsburg, for selling fireworks without a permit. Thomas who was on parole for a robbery conviction now faces multiple fireworks-related charges.
On June 15, Con Fire investigators arrested a 16-year-old boy in San Pablo. He is accused of causing a fire with illegal fireworks at an apartment building. He faces charges for possession of illegal fireworks, which were seized from him.
Con Fire said in a prepared statement. “Investigators continue to work to remove dangerous fireworks from our communities. They seek to put those who traffic them out of business.”
