Riverside Police: Man Arrested With 1,000 Pounds of Illegal Fireworks

A 23-year-old Riverside man suspected of possessing an illegal stash of fireworks weighing about half a ton, as well as a sawed-off shotgun, was released today on $35,000 bail.

The suspect was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside last month on suspicion of possession of destructive devices, possession of unlicensed fireworks, possession of an illegal firearm and child endangerment.

He posted bail within 24 hours and was released.

According to the Riverside Police Department, the fire department’s arson investigation unit became aware of a possible illegal sale and distribution of fireworks at a property in the 5800 block of Clifton Avenue, just north of the Riverside Municipal Airport, in mid-June and joined police and agents from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to conduct an investigation.

Sufficient evidence was gathered to obtain and serve search warrants on the home on June 20, police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said.

“Approximately 1,000 pounds of dangerous and illegal fireworks were found on the back patio,” Railsback said. “Also located were nearly 100 individual destructive devices, similar to M-80 explosives. Additionally, other evidence indicating the sale of these illegal fireworks was found, as well as several firearms, some of which are illegal to possess.”

There were children on the scene who had access to the fireworks, Railsback said.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Anyone arrested and convicted of selling fireworks without a license within city limits could face fines of $1,500 and other penalties, the police spokesman said.

“The city is actively working to reduce the use of illegal fireworks, which can cause injuries, stress veterans suffering from PTSD, terrify animals and start dangerous fires,” he said.

Anyone who suspects illegal storage and use of fireworks is asked to report it through the city’s main complaint line at 951-826-5311, or at https://crmweb.riversideca.gov.

The city sponsored two fireworks shows this year for the Fourth of July, one in La Sierra Park and the other on Mount Rubidoux.

In Riverside County, private parties are generally prohibited from using fireworks, except in Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, where so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, certified by the state fire marshal, can be sold to the public.

In April 2021, the County Counsel’s Office, in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department and Cal Fire, drafted amendments to long-standing regulations codified in County Ordinance No. 858 prohibiting illegal fireworks.

Civil fines have been increased, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The amount depends on the number of violations committed over a 36-month period. Previous fines ranged from $500 to $1,000.

Anyone who starts a brush fire due to the illegal use of fireworks can be held liable for all extinguishing costs. The amendments also created liabilities for landowners who knowingly allow someone to set off illegal fireworks, further increasing the penalties.

Despite potential penalties imposed by the county and cities, fireworks are regularly set off by individuals in unincorporated communities and municipalities throughout the county on and around July 4.

People can report illegal fireworks through the sheriff’s non-emergency enforcement line, 1-800-950-2444, or on the web portal riversidesheriff.org/555/fireworks.