Police officer attacked after incident involving illegal fireworks, three police officers face trial

BALTIMORE – Three men are facing charges after a police officer was hospitalized for an incident involving illegal fireworks on July 4 in southwest Baltimore.

According to Baltimore Police, officers found a large pile of illegal fireworks hidden under a tent in the area of ​​2500 McHenry Street.

According to police, several people tried to stop officers from removing the fireworks by grabbing them and attacking the officers.

BPD Detective Freddie Talbert said, “In this incident, an individual decided to throw fireworks near our officers, resulting in injury to one of our officers.”

The officer suffered an eye injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Three men were arrested and charged with assault and disturbing the peace. Baltimore’s bomb disposal unit seized dozens of fireworks and notified ATF agents.

Fireworks, firework rockets, bottle rockets, and any fireworks fired from a mortar tube are illegal in the state of Maryland. Only gold-labeled sparklers, novelty items such as party poppers, and ground-based sparkler devices are allowed in Maryland.

However, all fireworks are banned in the city of Baltimore, as BCFD Chief James Wallace reminded the public before the holiday.

“Please remember that fireworks are prohibited within Baltimore city limits and that injuries occur every year due to the misuse of fireworks,” Wallace said.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it received reports of eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 fireworks-related injuries in 2023 alone.

The Maryland State Police have a detailed guide to legal fireworks and safety tips, which you can find here.