A police bust at a San Pablo party supplies store today uncovered several thousand pounds of illegal fireworks.
An anonymous online tip led police to La Raza Party Supplies at 1600 Rumrill Blvd., according to the San Pablo Police Department. At about 2:27 p.m. today, an undercover police officer purchased illegal fireworks from a clerk in the store.
A subsequent search warrant led to the seizure of illegal fireworks stored throughout the business with an estimated street value between $50,000-$100,000, police said.
“The establishment was in such disarray, officers called SPPD Code Enforcement to the scene,” police said. “The Building Inspector found numerous building code violations to include electrical hazards and unpermitted dwelling spaces which created an extreme fire hazard to the structure and surrounding residential community. SPPD Code Enforcement deemed the building uninhabitable and will be following up with fines and inspections.”
The business’ owner, 53-year-old Luis Ramirez, and 18-year-old Yair Ramirez, were arrested on charges of felony possession of dangerous fireworks and conspiracy to sell illegal fireworks. The District Attorney’s Office will review the case to consider formal charges.
“Our community recognizes the dangers of fireworks and has supported our efforts in combating this activity as all fireworks are illegal in San Pablo,” San Pablo Police Chief Ron Raman said. “We are proud of the work the men and women from our police department and our firefighters do each and every year to keep San Pablo safe.”
