Apopka Police Department calls on ATF to investigate fireworks company

From APD News

The City of Apopka contracted with the company Creative Pyrotechnics for a Fourth of July fireworks show at the Apopka Amphitheater. On the evening of July 4th at the hour of the scheduled fireworks show, the vendor unilaterally canceled, failing to fulfill the city’s contract, and immediately began breaking down the launch tubes and unfired fireworks ordnance. The crew informed city employees they were leaving and they would return on the next day, July 5th, to retrieve their rental vehicle and launch tubes that they were leaving overnight on the city’s property.

Apopka police officers, in an abundance of caution, conducted security sweeps of the designated launch area and found the fireworks crew had left unexpended ordnances in launch tubes, some of which had fallen over and were considered a danger. Apopka detectives were sent to investigate the possibility of the vendor violating regulations regarding the storage of display fireworks.

Detectives contacted the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) for direction and assistance. ATF agents responded and are reviewing the regulations regarding abandoned and/or improperly stored fireworks and the requirement for vendors to comply with Federal explosives laws, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40. The code requires all persons to store explosive materials in a manner in conformity with regulations. ATF is currently conducting an on-going investigation.

The Apopka Police Department is a full-service, accredited police agency with more than 150 employees including 108 sworn officers and staff. The APD supports the Crimeline program to aid in investigations and to foster safe and anonymous tips that lead to criminal arrests. You can help with these local cases - if you have relevant information, please call (800) 423-TIPS, go to www.crimeline.org, or e-mail APDTIPS@Apopka.net. Apopka bulletins can be found at the APD website (www.apopkapolice.com); click on “Crimeline”.