Cops Continued Citywide Fireworks Rout
Queens Gazette 6/10/09
Fourth of July revelers take note: if you are caught by police purchasing, displaying, storing or lighting illegal fireworks, starting this weekend you will be arrested and put through the system- without exception.
Police officials this week are alerting area residents that they will lose their freedom if they purchase illegal explosives or set off illegal fireworks displays on local streets.
Police sources told the Gazette that dozens of plainclothes police officers will patrol on foot, on bicycle and in unmarked vehicles to seek out and nab violators who insist on setting off illegal explosive devices on and around the July 4th holiday weekend.
"We will be out there," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. "Have no doubt. If you are within our range of hearing, we will get you. We are certainly going to be prepared to handle any contingency over the July 4 weekend."
The crackdown, part of an ongoing enforcement effort started by the NYPD during the Rudy Giuliani mayoral administration, sends police at local precincts, vice squad cops and teams of fireworks interdiction officers throughout neighborhoods searching for individuals who set off pyrotechnic displays.
Fire officials said the FDNY is prepared to send fire units to the street to scout and seize illegal fireworks caches. Firefighters will detain offenders for police action, officials said.
"If people would only realize the danger they are putting themselves in," Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said. "Some of these things go off like a mine explosion, with the potential to maim or kill anyone within reach. It's unfortunate that so many people choose to ignore the dangers, just to prove they can go outside the law."
Police officials said anyone caught with illegal explosives will be arrested and could face serious charges, including possession of illegal explosive devices, and endangering.
Offenders should expect to spend at least one night behind bars for arrest processing, Kelly said. "They won't be getting out with a summons or a desk appearance ticket," he warned
Kelly said offenders "can count on being booked and held until they see a judge who will decide their immediate fate - and their freedom."
Police and fire officials are urging the public to call 911 or their local precinct to report illegal fireworks displays.
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