Fireworks Incidents in Mexico, Mo.

MEXICO, Mo- The Mexico Public Safety Department says in a press release they had 50 documented fireworks incidents since fireworks tents opened up around a week before the Fourth of July.

Most of those incidents happened in the overnight hours of July 4 into July 5.

In its press release, MPSD highlighted several incidents involving fireworks, in which property was damaged and said one person was arrested.

For the full details, you can read the MPSD press release below:

“From the time the fireworks tents opened, about one week before the 4th of July, through the early morning hours of July 5th, Mexico had about 50 documented firework incidents. These were either called in by citizens or observed by patrolling officers. About 30 of these were during the overnight hours of July 4th through the 5th.

If residents were peacefully shooting fireworks on their own property they were generally given a warning first. There were no incidents of MPSD returning to a warned residence for a second offense.

During the evening hours of July 3rd there was a report of juveniles shooting fireworks at other juveniles. No one was injured. There was also a report of juveniles throwing fireworks inside of a parked vehicle, which had its window down. The car did not catch fire but there was damage done to the interior.

A group of people shooting fireworks starting around 11:00 pm on July 4th led to a neighborhood dispute between those shooting the fireworks and residents who were concerned about their property. One person reported being struck in the head with a bottle during the dispute. There were no visible injuries, but the person did complain of pain, and did not wish to assist in prosecution.

A large group of people from Mexico and Fulton met in the neighborhoods around Garfield Park around 10:30P pm on July 5th. The group began shooting fireworks at each other. This led to further disturbance and three vehicles being damaged. Scott MD Foreman, age 19 of Mexico, was arrested for Property Damage 2nd degree. He was booked at MPSD and taken to the Audrain County Jail to post bond on the offense. Another subject was detained and released with a summons for Possession/Discharge of Fireworks. Another Mexico resident has been identified as being involved in a property damage incident, but he left the area and will be charged at a later date.

MPSD is continuing to review video and talk with affected individuals to determine if others should be charged with various offenses. Citizens are reminded that people arrested/charged with a crime are simply accused of the crime and are to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

There have been no significant injuries reported to date.”