2 Notable Arrests For Selling, Igniting Dangerous Fireworks In San Diego County After July 4th

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — The San Diego County Sheriff's Department arrested multiple suspects found selling or setting off illegal, dangerous fireworks over the holiday weekend. Two such suspects were found one day apart, one selling fireworks before the holiday, and another setting off a large, dangerous display on the holiday, according to Sgt. Adam Milligan.

On Thursday, the Sheriff's Bomb Arson Unit arrived to assist Vista area detectives, where a suspect was found selling illegal fireworks, Milligan said. A coordinated effort ensured they were able to find and arrest the suspect the following day, after a traffic stop, according to Milligan's report.

On Friday, Isaac Mandujano, 24, of Vista, was arrested and found with illegal, dangerous fireworks as well as a loaded Glock 17 handgun in his possession near the 2100 block of University Drive in Vista, Milligan said.

He did not possess a permit for carrying a concealed weapon and was arrested for carrying the firearm concealed in public, according to the report.

"A search incident to the arrest revealed multiple dangerous fireworks on the passenger seat of his vehicle. Deputies also located a container of marijuana, a water bong, and brass knuckles inside the car. "In a post-Miranda statement, Mandujano admitted to being under the influence," Milligan said.

Mandujano was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and later released. When he returns to court, he faces additional charges of violating health and safety codes, carrying a loaded firearm, and selling dangerous fireworks.

Another arrest caught a suspect in the act of igniting dangerous fireworks from a local Elementary School, Milligan said.

On the night of the July 4th holiday, shortly after 11 p.m., sheriff's deputies from Vista Station arrived at the 1300 block of Oak Drive, at the Foothill Oak Elementary School.

There, they made contact with Ethan Gentzsh, 43, who was "cleaning up a large amount of illegal mortar-style fireworks," according to Milligan.

Officers detained him and found 22 more pounds of unfired fireworks, he said.

"Gentzsh admitted to not having a permit for the fireworks and was detained on a health and safety code violation for selling, using, or possessing unclassified fireworks, which is a misdemeanor," Milligan said.

He was released at the scene with a citation, and the illicit fireworks were collected as contraband. According to Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire and other agencies, fines for fireworks violations can range from $1,000 for first-time offenses to one year in jail.

Possession of large quantities of fireworks, exceeding 100 pounds, is a felony, carrying a $50,000 fine and up to three years in prison. Additionally, fireworks that result in property damage or fire can escalate to arson charges, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.