Houston fireworks stand burglarized ahead of July 4th

HOUSTON — A south Houston fireworks stand is hoping to make up for lost revenue after thieves stole their merchandise on the eve of the Fourth of July.

Vanessa Cortina told KHOU 11 News that her entire family runs the stand located in the 18300 block of Almeda. On Wednesday, they worked to restock the shelves after burglars made off with nearly $12,000 worth of fireworks.

“It’s really devastating because tomorrow is the Fourth of July and people are expecting fireworks. How are we supposed to do that if they’re stolen?” she said.

Cortina said her mother first realized something had happened overnight or early Wednesday morning when she arrived at 6 a.m. and saw that part of the stand’s metal covering had been torn off.

“It was shocking. We’ve been doing this for almost three years and this is the first time we’ve been tinkered with,” Cortina said.

According to the family, a witness who works at the nearby market later sent them images of a small dark vehicle he saw near the stall on Wednesday.

When KHOU 11 News reached out to the witness, he confirmed seeing several men with their hands full get into a car and drive away.

Cortina said they would not take any risks with the new inventory they received from a supplier.

“Someone will stay here tonight,” she said. “Tomorrow, I hope we will have sold everything, that is our greatest hope.”

The owner of the fireworks stand, Fantasy Fireworks, told KHOU 11 News he will offer a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest in the case.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Burglary and Theft Unit has launched an investigation. Any information can be reported to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at (713)-221-6000.

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