SJPD Seizes Approximately 38,000 Pounds of Illegal Fireworks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

On June 14, 2023, at approximately 6:02 PM, the San Jose Police Department (SJPD) and San Jose Fire Department (SJFD) responded to a large fire at the Public Storage located at 88 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose. Initial reports indicated that the fire was a result of multiple illegal fireworks igniting in a storage unit. The large amount of fireworks stored in the unit caused the entire building to catch fire resulting in everything stored inside to be completely lost and unsalvageable. The investigation was then turned to SJFD Arson Investigators.

On June 16, 2023, SJFD Arson Investigators enlisted the assistance of SJPD. At that time, SJPD’s Assaults Unit began a comprehensive investigation into the possession of the illegal fireworks stored at the premises. During the course of the investigation, Assaults Unit Detectives identified two suspects and several other storage units that contained additional illegal fireworks. Detectives procured several search warrants for multiple residences and storage units that were executed throughout several days and multiple operations.

Assaults Unit Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the suspects and on June 29, 2023, Officers from the SJPD’s Covert Response Unit arrested both suspects in San Jose.

As a result of all the search warrants, SJPD seized:

• Approximately 38,000 lbs. of illegal fireworks
• Over 13 ounces of methamphetamine for sale
• Over 200 grams of cocaine for sale
• Marijuana for sale
• Approximately $4,800 in cash
• One semi-automatic firearm

Both suspects were arrested for various crimes and booked into jail. The investigation is on-going.

 

Acknowledgements:
This operation was a success due in part to the collaboration of the SJPD Assaults Unit and various state, local and federal agencies. SJPD would like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by the SJPD Bomb Unit, SJPD Metro Unit, SJPD Covert Response Unit, SJFD, CalFire, SJFD Arson Unit, and the ATF.

Anyone with information about this investigation or similar cases is asked to contact Detective Tong #4774 or Detective Weidner #4258 at the San José Police Assaults Unit via email:  4774@sanjoseca.gov, 4258@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4161.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.svcrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.