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Illegal fireworks display sets off charges in Park Ridge
Updated: August 13, 2012 1:25PM
PARK RIDGE — Past complaints from neighbors about illegal fireworks being used in a Park Ridge neighborhood led to the arrest of a 55-year-old man on Fourth of July, Park Ridge police said.
Christopher Smith, of the 700 block of North Dee Road, was cited for possession of fireworks at 12:20 a.m. July 4.
Deputy Police Chief Lou Jogmen said Smith’s home was on the Police Department’s radar due to complaints from neighbors during the past years that “significant” fireworks were being used on the property. Jogmen said officers visited Smith’s home July 3, advising him of the complaints the department had received and warning him that he would be cited if he was seen using illegal fireworks.
When officers returned after midnight they reportedly observed fireworks being launched outside the home.
“We don’t normally make a whole lot of arrests for fireworks, but this particular case was one of our directive patrols,” Jogmen explained.
Smith was released on his own recognizance and assigned an Aug. 18 adjudication hearing.
Jogmen said the police report did not indicate the type or amount of fireworks police reportedly found in Smith’s possession.
