Cop Ends Neighborhood Fireworks Show

A Gwinnett County police sergeant put an abrupt end to a neighborhood fireworks show on July 2.

According to the police report, the sergeant was patrolling the area of Campbell Road and Alcovy Road when he noticed fireworks being shot off in Wolf Creek subdivision.

Upon further investigation, the sergeant found a block party inside the subdivision.

“As I pulled up where the fireworks were coming from, multiple sets of fireworks were being set off causing an extreme amount of explosions in the air,” the sergeant wrote in his report.

The sergeant advised the people in possession of the fireworks that the skyrockets were illegal and must be surrendered to him immediately. When the individuals advised they had purchased over $1,300 worth of pyrotechnic devices and had held a neighborhood fireworks show for the past six years, the sergeant informed them it was still illegal and that they should have known that it was against the law given they had to cross state lines to obtain the fireworks.

The sergeant stood by as the individuals loaded all of the remaining fireworks into the back of his patrol vehicle. No citations were issued. Once back at the precinct, the sergeant doused the fireworks in water and disposed of them.

In Georgia, permitted fireworks include “Wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item; other sparkling items which are non-explosive and non-aerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple tubes; snake and glow worms; trick noise makers which include paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture.”

Fireworks such as firecrackers, skyrockets and cherry bombs are illegal to sell or use. Violations of the law can result in a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

Other recent Dacula area incidents investigated by the Gwinnett County Police Department include:

July 6

• Burglary in the 1900 block of New Hope Road.
• Minor in possession of alcohol in the 2600 block of Braselton Highway.

July 7

• Entering auto in the 500 block of Gran Heritage Way.
• Theft by taking in the 2800 block of Callie Still Road.

July 8

• Theft of livestock in the 1900 block of Brooks Road.
• Entering auto in the 500 block of Gran Heritage Way.

July 9

• Theft or lost/mislaid property in the 600 block of Dacula Road.

July 10

• Simple battery in the 2700 block of Fort Hampton Court.
• Simple battery in the 2000 block of Alcovy Trace Way.

For questions about this blotter, email kristi.reed@patch.com.