A fireworks seller was arrested after police discovered a massive stockpile of illegal fireworks and explosives at his Riverside home.
The suspect was identified as Vincent Lozano III, 23, according to the Riverside Police Department.
Investigators received a tip about an illegal fireworks seller in the community and identified Lozano as the alleged source.
A search warrant was served at a home on the 5800 block of Clifton Avenue, located in the Hillside neighborhood.
During the bust, authorities discovered around 1,000 pounds of “dangerous and illegal fireworks” located on the backyard patio. Nearly 100 individual destructive devices, similar to M-80-style explosives, were also located, deputies said.
Additional evidence that the suspect had been selling illegal fireworks was also found, along with several illegal firearms.
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A cache of illegal fireworks weighing around 1,000 pounds, along with nearly 100 destructive devices were found at a Riverside home on June 20, 2024. (Riverside Police Department) -
A cache of illegal fireworks weighing around 1,000 pounds, along with nearly 100 destructive devices were found at a Riverside home on June 20, 2024. (Riverside Police Department) -
A cache of illegal fireworks weighing around 1,000 pounds, along with nearly 100 destructive devices were found at a Riverside home on June 20, 2024. (Riverside Police Department) -
A cache of illegal fireworks weighing around 1,000 pounds, along with nearly 100 destructive devices were found at a Riverside home on June 20, 2024. (Riverside Police Department)
Lozano was arrested on multiple charges including possession of more than 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks, possession of destructive devices, and weapons violations.
He was also booked for child endangerment as the fireworks were accessible to children who were living at the home, deputies said.
Lozano was released the next day on $35,000 bail.
“The City of Riverside reminds all residents that fireworks are illegal within city limits,” officials said. “Anyone found using illegal fireworks could face a $1,500 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.”
Anyone with additional information on the case or knowledge of illegal fireworks can contact Officer J. Alter at JAlter@RiversideCA.gov or 951-351-6152, or Officer V. Schmitz at VSchmitz@RiversideCA.gov or 951-351-6404.
The public can also call the Riverside Police Department at 951-354-2007.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the “Atlas 1” mobile app by using the “Send a Message” feature. App downloads for Apple devices can be found here. Android device downloads can be found here.