Fireworks Citation Sparks Heated Confrontation

What started as a mere fireworks complaint turned into quite the overnight ordeal for Port Washington Police Officer Jerry Nye.

Nye responded to a call in the 1800 block of Terrace Drive at 12:38 a.m. Sunday from a resident saying the neighbor across the street was lighting fireworks, according to the police report.

Cardboard cylinders, evidence of the former fireworks, were found laying near the end of the driveway for that residence, the report said. The home's lights were on, so Nye went to the door.

Nobody answered.

Nye left a call card on the residence, telling whoever was inside to contact him before 10 p.m. the next day or a citation would be issued for discharging fireworks.

Soon after, Nye learned from the Ozaukee County dispatch that a 22-year-old Port Washington male had made an "irate" call to the dispatch center regarding a citation for discharging fireworks recently left on his door.

Nye put two and two together and returned to the residence in the 1800 block of Terrace Drive. As he approached the house, Nye noticed a man with "a very angry look on his face" standing in the roadway, the report said.

While Nye attempted to talk to the 22-year-old, the officer was greeted with an array of swear words.

"He was stating that he did not fire off any fireworks and he had served this country and how dare he get a ticket," Nye said, in the report. "I explained to him that the notice was for him to call me so that we could discuss the complaint.  He again started to scream that he did not discharge any fireworks (Sunday night)."

Nye pointed to the cardboard cylinders — the evidence in the fireworks scandal.

The man told Nye those remants were from when he had lit fireworks nine nights ago.

Nye returned to his squad car to run the man's identification, and noted in his report that the man continued to yell and curse loudly. Nye returned to the man, and stated he'd be issuing him a disorderly conduct ticket for his behavior and could arrest him if this inappropriate actions continued.

About the fireworks? Nye would only issue the man a warning.

Until he continued arguing and cursing again.

The man was issued a citation for discharge of fireworks, a fine of $145.50. There is also a $208.50 fine for the disorderly conduct citation.