Suspect storing them in home and cars.
(Stow) - A scary situation defused in Stow!
Acting on a tip, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal, working closely with the Stow Police and Fire Departments, has confiscated more than 10,000 pounds of consumer fireworks.
The explosives were stored illegally in a residential property and inside vehicles at 3500 Deidrick Road in Stow. The individual in question does not appear to have a valid shipper license, a fireworks manufacturer license or a wholesaler license for these fireworks.
The confiscated fireworks are the equivalent of approximately 1,750 pounds of high explosives.
Much of the product was stored inside the home which was inhabited by a man, his wife, two children and an elderly adult.
Another section of the home was rented to a non-related adult female.
A search warrant was issued and police made entry into the home late Tuesday night. In addition to the fireworks, investigators also found evidence of illegally manufactured fireworks, unidentified loose powder, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. Some of the items found will be taken to the SFM forensic laboratory for analysis.
“This amount of improperly stored explosive material in a residential neighborhood is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous to the residents, the neighbors and the first responders,” said Interim State Fire Marshal Donald C. Cooper. “One spark could have caused tragedy.”
Information regarding the fireworks and explosives discovered during the investigation will be provided to the prosecutor upon completion of the investigation.
A separate investigation of the other illegal items found inside the home will be conducted by Stow Police.
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