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Police report cites surge in illegal fireworks calls after July 4; chief urges enforcement and possible ordinance changes
Summary
The police chief told the council calls spiked after July 4 for illegal, powerful fireworks; the department is addressing complaints and the mayor asked staff to clarify city ordinance differences from state law. Chief Cantrell also reported a hit-and-run at Prior Creek Apartments and routine enforcement statistics for June.
Police Chief Cantrell told the council the city continues to receive many calls about illegal fireworks since July 4, saying such devices can be ‘very large explosive devices’ and that officers have been fielding multiple complaints each night.
The chief said fireworks use is restricted by the city ordinance (the July 1–4 allowance has ended) and that officers have been responding to calls throughout town. He reported that over the past month the department handled 461 traffic stops, 25 accidents and 35 arrests, and said code enforcement activity has increased as yard growth follows rain.
Chief Cantrell also briefed the council about a hit-and-run at Prior Creek Apartments in which an apparently intoxicated driver struck six vehicles and fled; investigators have recovered the suspect’s truck and gleaned leads from store video. The chief asked residents to continue reporting violations and said staff will follow up on enforcement possibilities and potential ordinance amendments to address particularly loud or dangerous classes of fireworks.
Council response: Members asked whether tickets had been issued or only warnings; the chief said he would need to check call logs and ticketing records. The mayor suggested the city publish a short clarification item distinguishing state allowance from the local ordinance to reduce confusion among residents.
Next steps: Staff will research whether ordinance amendments are needed to ban certain types of fireworks, return with any recommended changes, and provide a public notice clarifying the city’s restrictions and enforcement approach.
