Suspected fireworks sellers arrested on peninsula

EAST PALO ALTO, CA — Two men are accused of selling illegal fireworks out of their East Palo Alto home, investigators said. The arrest is part of a “multi-pronged approach” by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to fireworks around the Fourth of July, authorities said Wednesday.

According to the sheriff's office, gang unit investigators first learned in May that illegal fireworks had been sold at the home. Detectives continued their investigation and requested assistance from the Narcotics Task Force, Vehicle Theft Task Force and the East Palo Alto Police Department to execute a search warrant at a home on O'Connor Street on June 19.

Authorities say the search uncovered illegal fireworks, a stolen pistol and an unregistered handgun. The sheriff's office identified the suspects Wednesday as Froylan Vazquez, 47, and Antonio Torres-Vasquez, 23, of East Palo Alto.

Vazquez was booked into Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of possession of a stolen firearm and possession of illegal fireworks. Torres-Vasquez was cited for alleged possession of illegal fireworks.

The sheriff's office said a series of anonymous fireworks buyback events in June successfully removed more than 700 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives from the streets ahead of Independence Day.

Residents can report any illegal fireworks activity by calling 1-650-363-4911.