Michigan deputy unharmed after fireworks ricochet off his chest and explode

INGHAM COUNTY, MI — An Ingham County Sheriff's Office deputy was uninjured early July 3 after being struck by fireworks.

Shortly after midnight, officers were called to reports of youths setting off fireworks in a backyard in the 5000 block of Hemlock Drive in Delhi Township, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post. When police arrived, they saw what appeared to be a party.

As deputies approached the rally, a vehicle sped away while its occupants “intentionally threw a fireworks projectile at the deputies,” police said.

The firework hit a deputy, ricocheted off his chest and exploded “seconds later,” according to the sheriff's office.

The people inside the vehicle drove away from the party, but police were able to identify some of those involved.

Michigan allows fireworks to be used on private property from June 29 to July 5 before 11:45 p.m. The Ingham County Sheriff's Office warned that with all the “fun and excitement” of the July 4 holiday, “things can quickly get out of hand” with fireworks.

“We are sharing this unfortunate and reckless event to remind the community of the responsibility and dangers associated with fireworks of all kinds. Anything that burns, sparks and explodes carries risks,” the sheriff's office said in its message.

The incident remains under investigation.

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