Liquor Store Chain Reportedly Had 40 Packs of Illegal Fireworks

Gilroy police reportedly found 40 packs of illegal fireworks being sold at two locations on June 30, according to police spokesman, Sgt. Chad Gallacinao.

Police confiscated 20 packs of the illegal “red cracker” fireworks at the location on the 7600 block of Monterey, and 20 packs of the illegal “cracker bombs” at the store on Church Street, the spokesman said.

An anonymous tip led police to the location where the alleged sale was taking place. A third location, on Monterey Road and Farrell Avenue, was not in possession of the fireworks, he said.

Only fireworks bearing the state fire marshal’s “safe and sane” seal are legal to use in Gilroy between July 1-4, sold through a tightly controlled series of booths that serve to help raise money for local nonprofits.

Selling the prohibited fireworks is illegal and in violation of the California Health and Safety Code.

Police will submit the case to the county district attorney’s office for review, and it can take up to a year for the DA to decide if they will press charges, said Gallacinao.