San Pablo, CA – The San Pablo Police Department has partnered with regional law enforcement agencies and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to campaign on the dangers of illegal fireworks in an effort to prevent injuries and property damage from occurring this fire season.
This week the San Pablo Police Department Social Media Team received an anonymous tip online regarding a San Pablo business selling large quantities of illegal fireworks. A motivated SPPD patrol team followed up on the information and initiated an investigation into the business.
On Thursday June 30, 2022 at 2: 27 p.m., an undercover SPPD Officer purchased illegal fireworks from a clerk inside La Raza Party Supplies at 1600 Rumrill Blvd, San Pablo. Officers subsequently served a search warrant on the business and located approximately 3,000 pounds of illegal fireworks stored throughout the business. The establishment was in such disarray, officers called SPPD Code Enforcement to the scene. 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.
Officers subsequently arrested the business owner 53-year old Luis Ramirez, and 18-year old Yair Ramirez on charges of felony possession of dangerous fireworks and conspiracy to sell illegal fireworks. The District Attorney’s Office will be reviewing the case for consideration of formal charges.
San Pablo Police Chief Ron Raman went on to say, “Our community recognizes the dangers of fireworks and has supported our efforts in combating this activity as all fireworks are illegal in San Pablo. 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.”
“Con Fire is pleased by the efforts of our law enforcement partners to reduce the use of illegal fireworks across the County,” said Chris Bachman, assistant chief and fire marshal, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “We encourage residents to have safe Independence Day celebrations by attending approved fireworks shows.”
Officers are coordinating with investigators from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to process the evidence and ensure safe disposal of the illegal fireworks. The estimated street value of the seized fireworks is believed to be between $50k-$100k.
To report illegal fireworks activity in San Pablo, please call our non-emergency number at 510-724-1111. Additionally, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has started a hotline for people to report illegal fireworks: (833) 885-2021.
