Illegal Fireworks Seizure – NR23145mp

Los Angeles: On June 7, 2023 at around 3:00 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Marshals were conducting routine compliance inspections of commercial buildings in the 900 block of East 61st street in Newton Division.

While conducting an inspection of a textiles warehouse, the Marshals observed a large number of fireworks in a storage room and contacted the Los Angeles Police Department. Newton Division patrol officers responded and immediately notified the Bomb Squad.

Bomb Squad and Major Crimes Division investigators responded to the location and seized the illegal fireworks, which were described as commercial grade.

Bomb Squad investigators immediately began the process of packaging and removing the fireworks from the area, which totaled 38,000 pounds in weight.

Major Crimes Division investigators interviewed several occupants in the building to determine the origins of the illegal fireworks and made two arrests for 12700(b)(3) PC – Possession of Illegal Fireworks over 5,000 lbs.

Ponce, Lorenzo (Booking No.6619557), 64 years old, resident of Los Angeles.
Ponce, Diego (Booking No. 6619558), 35 years old, resident of Los Angeles.

CalFire will assist with the disposal of the fireworks.

This is an ongoing investigation.

The Los Angeles Police Department reminds you that fireworks are illegal, dangerous, and place our community in significant peril. We encourage our community to enjoy a professionally organized pyrotechnics fireworks show and to celebrate safely and responsibly.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Major Crimes Division Detective Allen, at (213) 486-7220. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and go to the drop down of “Get Involved” and “Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.