Police arrest teens suspected of setting off late-night fireworks in SLO park
A pair of young San Luis Obispo residents were arrested by police after they were allegedly found setting off fireworks in a city park.
According to a news release from the San Luis Obispo Police Department, in response to multiple nights of illegal fireworks being set off between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m near Devaul Park on Madonna Road, officers “conducted focused enforcement in the area” the first weekend of the year.
While conducting surveillance at the park Saturday, officers allegedly spotted a group of youths entering the park carrying a “large mortar-type firework,” according to the release.
When officers attempted to detain the suspects, the group fled on foot, with officers on bicycles pursuing several suspects, according to the release.
Two juvenile suspects age 16 and 17 were detained near Madonna Road and Eto Circle, and were found to be in possession of mortar-style fireworks and lighters, according to the release.
A discharged firework was also found inside Devaul Park where the suspects were initially witnessed lighting it and was taken as evidence, according to the release.
Both teens were booked into the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Services Center and were charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest and misdemeanor possession of fireworks, according to the release.
“Please be aware it is a misdemeanor to possess or set off dangerous fireworks within the city of San Luis Obispo,” the release said. “It creates a serious fire and safety hazard and disturbs the peace in our neighborhoods.”
This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 11:02 AM.
