Teenagers on e-bikes set off fireworks at Hermosa Beach Pier, police say

On Saturday night, teenagers on e-bikes caused chaos at the Hermosa Beach Pier when they set off fireworks at unsuspecting crowds walking by.

The teens set off the fireworks shortly after 8:30 p.m., and initial calls to police reported loud explosions, according to 911 dispatch reports. Hermosa Beach police determined that a group of teens had caused the commotion by firing fireworks into Pier Plaza. The group of teens fled the area on electric bikes, police told KNBC-TV. Two boys were taken into custody but later released, the city said in a social media post Monday.

A third juvenile was identified from videos of the incident, authorities said. The suspect is not a resident of Hermosa Beach, but lives in the South Bay. Authorities are working with the Los Angeles County Juvenile Justice Department and the suspect’s family to ensure they face “appropriate consequences for this dangerous incident,” the city’s statement said.

A firework exploded several feet from witness John Fahmy as he was pushing his bicycle through Pier Plaza. He filmed the massive explosion on his bike’s camera and felt the debris hit the back of his head as he walked away from the explosion.

“I saw a little girl run right past me after the fireworks went off. My ears were ringing and my heart was racing,” Fahmy told the Times. “She must have been very close when it went off because I can’t imagine being any closer to the fireworks than I was without getting hurt.”

Fahmy described the suspects as teenagers between the ages of 12 and 16. In total, he heard about four or five loud explosions that evening.

Before entering the square, Fahmy saw bright lights illuminating the pier. “I didn’t know it was fireworks and just saw the bright colors,” he said. “They went off near the restaurants where people walk and gather.”

For safety reasons, the city recently tightened its regulations on e-bike use. Riders are not allowed to use the electric motors in certain areas, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet, according to an ordinance passed on June 4. Minors who violate the rules may have their e-bike confiscated, and a parent or guardian must cover the cost of towing.