Con Fire Investigators Go Undercover, Make Fireworks Sales Busts

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Multiple fireworks-related arrests were made this month as fire investigators went undercover, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said Tuesday.

In what Con Fire officials said was a continued effort to take dangerous fireworks off our streets, investigators conducted multiple fireworks enforcement actions in recent days, including the following four incidents in the cities of Pittsburg, Antioch, San Pablo and Concord.

On June 11, in multiple locations in Pittsburg, Con Fire investigators conducted an undercover buy of illegal fireworks in the City of Pittsburg. The initial purchase led to two additional residences in Pittsburg where fireworks valued at several thousand dollars were confiscated. The names of those involved were withheld pending an ongoing investigation.

On June 15 in San Pablo, Con Fire investigators made an arrest in connection with a fire caused by fireworks on an apartment balcony in the 15000 block of Crestwood Drive. A 16-year-old San Pablo resident was arrested on suspicion of fire to inhabited structures and possession of dangerous fireworks.

"Additional fireworks of the type that caused the fire were located and recovered from the apartment," Con Fire Spokesperson Steve Hill said. "The juvenile’s name is not being released because of his age. He was released to his parents' custody after the arrest. Con Fire continues to investigate this case and will refer it to the District Attorney and Con Fire’s Youth Firesetter Program."

On June 17, Con Fire investigators arrested 25-year-old Pittsburg resident Kevin Thomas at G Street and West 10th Street in Antioch, based on an undercover buy of illegal fireworks by Con Fire investigators.

Thomas was arrested on suspicion of unlawful advertising of any business or venture involving fireworks, unlawful sale, transfer, giving, delivery or other conveyance of title of any dangerous fireworks; and unlawful possession of dangerous fireworks without holding a valid permit.

"The fireworks intended to be sold were seized as evidence," Hill said. "Thomas was identified as an active parolee, recently released from the California Department of Corrections, as the result of a robbery conviction. The seller was issued a criminal citation."

On June 21, Concord Con Fire investigators researched a social media post advertising illegal fireworks for sale in Contra Costa County which led them to Port Chicago Highway at Bates Avenue.

"Acting undercover, investigators contacted the seller and arranged a purchase," Hill said. "Meeting with the seller, investigators confirmed illegal fireworks were being sold and arrested Thomas Daeshawn, 22, a resident of Concord, seizing 90 pounds of fireworks as evidence."

Daeshawn, who was on probation out of Alameda County for a robbery conviction, was issued a criminal citation and Con Fire investigators followed up with Alameda County for a possible probation violation.

Daeshawn was cited on suspicion of unlawful sale, transfer, giving, delivery or other conveyance of title of any dangerous fireworks; and unlawful possession of dangerous fireworks without holding a valid permit.

"Con Fire investigators continue to work to remove dangerous fireworks from our communities’ streets, along with putting those who traffic them, out of business," Hill said.

Residents can help in this important public safety mission by reporting illegal fireworks sales to the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON, Hill said.

Further, Con Fire urges anyone who sees fireworks being used to report it to their local law enforcement non-emergency line — and to report all fires immediately to 911.

"Use of fireworks of any type is illegal in Contra Costa County and exceedingly dangerous during these drought conditions."