Renton police are warning the public about illegal fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches, pointing to a recent incident that led to charges. The warning comes after fireworks were set off at a local park, prompting a response from officers.
According to the department, the incident happened at Ron Regis Park, where someone set off fireworks. Police noted that no one was nearby at the time, but the activity drew immediate attention.
A key role in the case was played by one of the department's drone operators. The operator spotted two people running into a wooded area near the park, giving officers a lead to follow.
Officers then found a car parked nearby. After obtaining a warrant, they searched the vehicle and found boxes of fireworks that matched the ones that had just been set off.
The two people eventually emerged from the wooded area. That allowed officers to identify a suspect in connection with the fireworks that had gone off at the park.
The department says the suspect faces two charges. One is for possessing fireworks, and the other is for being in the park during non-public hours, when it was closed to visitors.
With the holiday drawing near, police are using the case to underscore the risks of illegal fireworks. Authorities are urging residents to follow local rules and exercise caution to avoid injuries and legal trouble over the Fourth of July weekend.