In a significant crackdown on illegal festivities, the San José Police Department swooped in on Monday to confiscate over 2,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and more than 50 IEDs. This seizure followed a series of coordinated search warrants that were part of a covert operation to halt the illicit trade of commercial-grade fireworks in the city.
The first raid, targeting a home in the 200 block of San Antonio Court, yielded around 730 pounds of illegal pyrotechnics along with IEDs. Suspect David Benito-Carbajal, 31, was promptly detained and is now facing multiple felony charges. The police continued to search and seize comprehensively, unearthing a trove of explosives that pose a significant risk to community safety. According to information from the San José Police Department, their dedication is reflected in their ongoing efforts.
Later that evening, investigators pursued another lead to a residence on the 2700 block of Tanglewood Drive, where the second suspect, Juan Rocha, 52, was discovered with a smaller yet dangerous cache of fireworks and IEDs inside an accessory dwelling unit. A further stash of approximately 1,000 pounds of fireworks was found on the property. Rocha was arrested on site with charges brought against him for the possession of destructive devices and illegal fireworks.
Amid the raid, officers also came upon firearms, including a short-barreled AR-style rifle with a 3D-printed lower receiver and a stockpile of ammunition, further complicating the threat landscape. The San José officials have expressed a relentless commitment to public safety. San José Mayor Matt Mahan remarked, in a statement by the San José Police Department, "Independence Day doesn’t give anyone the freedom to put others in harm’s way," appreciating the police force for their proactive measures ahead of the holiday celebrations.
Furthermore, to support these efforts, the police will be deploying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to locate and penalize the use of illegal fireworks in the city. Residents can also actively participate by reporting instances of illegal fireworks usage through the San José 311 app or by visiting their website. San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire conveyed her gratitude to the police for apprehending the suspects whose actions threatened the community.
The San José Police Department encourages community reporting via the San José 311 app. It reminds residents that criminal charges can be pressed against those engaged in distributing and possessing illegal fireworks. Tips leading to arrests may qualify for cash rewards through the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program; anonymous tips can be submitted through the P3TIPS mobile app or by calling (408) 947-STOP.
