Teen accused of setting off fireworks near Hermosa Beach Pier identified – NBC Los Angeles

A security guard who was in Hermosa Beach the night a group of teenagers illegally set off fireworks near a popular pier recalled how he tried to arrest the teens accused of causing the ruckus .

A group of teenagers on electric bikes injured several people Saturday night when they set off fireworks near Pier Plaza, according to police.

“It was a loud explosion. It hurt a lot of people's eardrums and sprayed a lot of people in the face, including one of our customers,” said Beau Bowden, who was working security at Patrick Molloy when the group of teenagers lit the fireworks in front. crowded bars.

Bowden said people tried to stop the teens from leaving.

A man was hit in the back of the head by a firework after a group of teenagers set them off in Hermosa Beach. Anastassia Olmos will report for NBC4 News on June 9, 2024.

“An angry crowd began to surround this young man,” he said. “I went in there, I caught them so people know that, you know, it's under control.”

By the time police arrived, Bowden said the teens were gone. However, two boys returned voluntarily and were arrested, according to police. As they were not the ones who set off the fireworks, they were returned to their parents.

Officials said video of the incident helped them identify the teen who set off the fireworks. This boy has not yet been arrested. Police said he could face charges ranging from lighting a firework in a public place to felonious assault with a deadly weapon.

This comes just days after the city enacted an emergency ordinance giving officers more power to crack down on e-bike violations and increasing fines.

Several people were injured when a group of teenagers set off fireworks while riding electric bikes in Hermosa Beach.

““It didn't seem to do much good, at least immediately, because the kids immediately went back to their usual antics,” Bowden said, adding that he was very worried as the July 4 holiday approached. .

NBC4 reported on cases of teenagers riding illegal e-bikes and “e-motorcycles” terrorizing several coastal communities, including alleged assaults and throwing fireworks at homes, even starting a fire.

Hermosa Beach police stepped up their e-bike enforcement in May, seizing a dozen illegal electric motorcycles.

“I think parents should be held responsible to some extent. They spend thousands of dollars on these electric bikes and let their kids ride freely,” exclaimed Bowden.