Undercover San Mateo Police Operation Busts Fireworks Sale

SAN MATEO, CA — An undercover San Mateo police operation yielded illegal fireworks, explosives and the arrest of a Redwood City resident.

Jose Magana Gonzalez, 28, was contacted by a San Mateo police officer after the department received information that he was selling fireworks in San Mateo County, according to police.

The officer said they were interested in purchasing fireworks, and last week met with Gonzalez who sold the officer “five M100s, various fireworks, and marijuana,” according to a news release.

Gonzalez was arrested at the scene after the sale and charged with illegal possession of fireworks, possession of a destructive device, possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of marijuana for sale.

He was also charged with carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle after a search of his car revealed a loaded firearm, according to police.

All fireworks are illegal in the city of San Mateo, including those labeled “safe and sane,” as the city plans for the Fourth of July.