By Sara Beth Williams–
An illegal fireworks sideshow took place at Sunrise Mall late Friday night, amid numerous other reports of illegal firework activity.
Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Ryan Smith said that after receiving reports of illegal aerial fireworks activity near the mall, the department was able to utilize Realtime Traffic cameras (RTIC), to track the general location where the fireworks were being set off and determined that activity appeared to be coming from the edge of the Sunrise Mall property near a neighboring apartment complex.
Officers arrived in force to Sunrise Mall after 10 p.m. to disperse a large sideshow which consisted of multiple vehicles and at least 100 people, some of whom were seen discharging multiple illegal fireworks by police, according to police radio transmissions.
While a small number of illegal fireworks were confiscated, no citations were issued and no arrests were made, as all potential suspects fled prior to police contact, Smith said.
Several citizens on social media shared videos of illegal fireworks explosions in the vicinity of Sunrise Mall, and reported witnessing a heavy police presence at the mall, as well as the presence of multiple drones flying overhead. Smith could not confirm the use of drones in the area Friday night, but noted a mobile camera trailer positioned at Sunrise Boulevard and Macy Plaza Drive was likely used to help identify the origin of illegal firework activity.
Smith acknowledged that the department had “numerous” reports of aerial fireworks throughout the city on July 4 and said the department was still working on compiling data on the exact amount of calls.
The Police Department previously stated in a presentation to the City Council that drones would be utilized over July 3 and 4 to help with identifying the origin of illegal firework activity.
No injuries or property damage were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.
