There was a report of illegal fireworks being used in the San Gabriel neighbourhood on Wednesday, which resulted in the neighbourhood being closed down by law enforcement.
It was approximately 3:30 in the afternoon when the United States Postal Service notified the San Gabriel Police Department that there was a package on the 1800 block of San Gabriel Boulevard that appeared to be suspicious. During their investigation, postal inspectors in the region made contact with a person who admitted to having illegal fireworks in their possession.
As a consequence of this, the Bomb Squad of Los Angeles County was dispatched to remove the illegal fireworks that were made at home in a secure manner. At the same time, the San Gabriel Fire Department was present to dispose of any additional fireworks that were present.
As a result of the response, law enforcement implemented an evacuation perimeter that was 500 feet in length. In the event that the order was issued, residents and businesses that were affected were instructed to seek refuge at Gabrielino High School.
“You just don’t know what’s in your backyard these days,” German Perez, who was informed that he was required to vacate, said earlier. “Anything could be happening under our noses and we don’t know it.”
There are two businesses located in the front of the property that was housing the fireworks, and in the back of the property there are rows of small residential units. It is not clear whether residents were allotted permission to go back to their homes.
According to the police, one man was taken into custody upon suspicion of violating the health and safety code in connection with the possession of the illegal fireworks. The identity of that individual was not disclosed.
