The West Covina Police Department (WCPD) has been actively battling the distribution and use of illegal fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches. A series of enforcement operations carried out throughout June culminated in a significant bust, as reported by the WCPD. In the days leading up to the holiday, these efforts were aimed to greatly reduce the safety risks associated with unsanctioned pyrotechnic displays.
According to the WCPD, officers in collaboration with an arson investigator from the West Covina Fire Department (WCFD), conducted four separate operations. The first three operations allowed them to confiscate about 1,300 pounds of illegal fireworks and an unregistered firearm. The fourth operation proved to even more dramatically reduce the potential for harm when it led them to a residence on Sherway Avenue, where around 8,000 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized.
At the Sherway Avenue residence, the WCPD executed a search warrant and uncovered the large stockpile of illegal mortar-style fireworks, known for their volatility and potential to cause serious harm. Timothy Tillman, 43, was arrested on the scene. A resident of Fullerton, Tillman is now facing felony charges for possession and plans to distribute the illegal fireworks, according to the West Covina Jail records.
The WCPD has issued a warning, reminding the public that all fireworks are banned within West Covina's city limits. The department emphasizes the importance of these regulations, which are put in place to prevent injuries, fires, and property damage that may stem from the use of fireworks. Plans are set to strictly enforce these rules with the help of enforcement teams, to include drone operators from the West Covina Police, patrolling the city on Independence Day.
In keeping with the community's safety in mind, residents are strongly encouraged to report any illegal fireworks activity they might witness. For those looking to provide information or to report violations, the West Covina Police Department can be reached on their non-emergency line at (626) 939-8500.
