North Brunswick homeowner fined for illegal July 4th fireworks display that left street a mess
The illegal fireworks display left behind debris and shrapnel, making the street impassable
NORTH BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (WABC) -- For many, fireworks and the Fourth of July go together like a movie and popcorn, but in one New Jersey community, police and township officials say a homeowner's celebration went too far.
Authorities in North Brunswick are making the homeowner pay for his impromptu, and illegal, fireworks display, including the cost of cleaning up the debris left behind.
Police are using video as evidence from the actual fireworks.
It appeared to be an arsenal of projectile launchers in the driveway of 23 Beverly Ave. the day after the Fourth of July fireworks display.
In the aftermath, the street was covered in debris and shrapnel that made the block impassable.
In fact, debris from the fireworks is still on lawns near the sight of the display.
Police say the resident of 23 Beverly Ave. was setting off aerial-style devices with mortar tubes ranging from three to eight inches in diameter.
The area is densely populated with numerous single-family and two-family homes.
Residents called the police about the dangerous display, and it appears the resident stopped for a while and then started them again.
Residents did not want to show their face on camera to avoid a feud with the neighbor, but they say this is the fourth year in a row that this has taken place.
One resident said her family was terrified and could not sleep the entire night. Another said displays like this should not take place near homes and property.
One other person said residents keep their garden hoses nearby just in case of fire.
The Department of Public Works had to come out and clean up the mess.
The homeowner is facing a number of charges due to the fire danger involved and the fact that he did not get a permit to have such a large fireworks display.
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