Alleged Fireworks Sellers Arrested On The Peninsula

EAST PALO ALTO, CA — Two men are accused of selling illegal fireworks out of their East Palo Alto home, according to investigators. The bust was part of a "multipronged approach" by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to fireworks around July 4, officials said Wednesday.

According to the sheriff's office, investigators with the gang unit first learned of illegal fireworks being sold out of the home in May. Detectives continued their investigation and enlisted help from the Narcotics Task Force, Vehicle Theft Task Force, and the East Palo Alto Police Department to execute a search warrant at an O'Connor Street home on June 19.

Authorities allege the search uncovered illegal fireworks, a stolen pistol, and an unregistered handgun. The sheriff's office identified the suspects Wednesday as Froylan Vazquez, 47, and Antonio Torres-Vasquez, 23, of East Palo Alto.

Vazquez was booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of possession of a stolen firearm and possession of illegal fireworks. Torres-Vasquez was cited for alleged possession of illegal fireworks.

The sheriff's office said a series of anonymous fireworks buyback events in June successfully removed more than 700 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives from the streets ahead of Independence Day.

Residents can report illegal fireworks activity by calling 1-650-363-4911.