At least $150K worth of fireworks seized from South LA home, LAPD says
Massive fireworks bust in South Los Angeles
LAPD is avoiding another version of the 2021 explosion where a fireworks bust led to a blast that ended up displacing South Los Angeles residents.
LOS ANGELES - A suspect was arrested and an evacuation order was temporarily issued after authorities discovered a "massive cache of fireworks" at a South Los Angeles home Wednesday.
What we know:
Officials said Los Angeles police detectives were in the process of serving a search warrant at a home in the 100 block of West 85th Street, near Manchester Avenue, related to a domestic violence shooting incident. Once at the Florence neighborhood house, they discovered fireworks.
"Every room was filled with boxes and boxes of fireworks," LAPD Deputy Chief Marc Reina said. "Out of an abundance of caution, we evacuated the immediate area and notified our bomb squad."
Officials confirmed they seized numerous boxes of consumer grade fireworks that are illegal in the city of LA. The exact weight remains unknown. However, it was later confirmed they found at least $150,000 worth of fireworks.
LAPD said the bomb squad used at least five white box trucks to load consumer fireworks found inside the residence.
Evacuations were issued for the immediate area and were eventually downgraded after authorities determined they were not commercial grade fireworks. All evacuations have since been lifted.
No injuries were reported.
Police said one suspect was arrested in connection with the original search warrant, and several others were detained as LAPD continued its investigation.
"It would concern me. I'm a mother of two children," one resident told FOX 11. "It affects this community. If everything would've exploded, it would've impacted a lot of people that lived down this block."
"Just a reminder that it is illegal to possess the fireworks, and if anyone knows cases such as this or they are storing large quantities of fireworks, please let LAPD know," Reina said.
Local perspective:
In June 2021, the LAPD’s bomb squad ignited the massive explosion of illegal fireworks in the South LA neighborhood along 27th Street. Seventeen people were injured, 35 buildings were damaged, and dozens of people were displaced.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- 3 years later, families impacted by LAPD's botched fireworks explosion may face homelessness
- LAPD bomb squad reportedly ignored expert's warning prior to South LA fireworks blast
- Family describes the nightmare of being displaced by South LA explosion
The LA City Council approved a $21 million settlement for the impacted families three years later.
Are you or someone you know a recent survivor of domestic violence? Help is available. Los Angeles County has a hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-978-3600. A national hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Los Angeles Police Department.