Lincoln firework tent closes after group of teenagers steal fireworks, assault worker

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Extreme Crazy Cracker closed its firework tent Thursday after a group of teenagers came into the stand, stole fireworks and assaulted a worker Wednesday night.

The owner, Douglas, said a group of 10-12 teenage boys came to the tent outside SouthPointe Christian Church around 11 p.m.

The teens threw a box at the clerk, causing an injury to the clerk's face before running out with several boxes of fireworks.

“It's just sad to see that happening in a town that should still have that small town feel to it,” Douglas said.

Douglas was forced to close the tent for the holiday.

He hopes that his other two stores will bring enough profit so he can pay the bills for the SouthPointe location.

“Kids are kids,” Douglas said. “I don't mind them having fun, but when it comes to becoming destructive and being to where you actually ended up hurting somebody, that's way beyond what's allowed and what should be put up with.”

Volunteers at a Wild Willy's said they've had people steal fireworks from their store in previous years, but said they feel safe with their overnight staff.

“It helps we have people here overnight,” said Arlene, Wild Willy's volunteer. “It makes us feel good knowing that it's secure and somebody's here.”

She mentioned someone also cut the lock on their trailer and stole fireworks a couple years ago.

“It's just a sad thing we have to worry about that even being a possibility,” said volunteer Emily Bond.

LPD said there are no known suspects and the investigation is still ongoing.