Fort Wayne police have confirmed the arrest of a man in connection with a July Fourth incident that resulted in an 11-year-old girl suffering a severe hand injury. Ian Wiggins, 22, was apprehended and is facing charges for his alleged role in the event that shocked the community gathered for Independence Day celebrations. Wiggins is accused of hurling a firework into a crowd, leading to an explosion on the minor's hand which caused significant burns and missing flesh. The suspect was taken into custody yesterday afternoon, WISH-TV reported.
According to court documents cited by WANE-TV, the altercation began when a firework landed near Wiggins and a friend, leading to Wiggins picking it up and throwing it into a nearby crowd, comprising among others of children. A security official as part of their testimony mentioned, likened to Wiggins' action to throwing "like a grenade."
Witnesses recounted the harrowing scene, indicating that multiple individuals, including the victim's mother, chased Wiggins following the incident. As a result of the explosion, the girl was required to attend multiple medical appointments for the treatment of injuries sustained to her hand. 21Alive News reported that security at the Grile Center downtown told police they confronted Wiggins and advised him not to throw fireworks on Fort Wayne Community Schools property just before the dangerous act.
Upon initial questioning by the police, Wiggins admitted to throwing a firework but claimed it was toward a "driving lane," not intentionally into the crowd. His assertion appeared to be contradicted by video evidence of the incident. Wiggins faces a Level 5 felony count of battery to a person younger than 14 and a Level 6 felony count of using fireworks resulting in serious bodily injury, for which he could be held significantly accountable, as reported by 21Alive News.
