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Riverside man arrested after discovery of 1,000 pounds of illegal explosives

A man was arrested after police discovered a huge stash of illegal fireworks and dangerous explosives at his Riverside home.

The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Vincent Lozano III, according to Riverside police.


Investigators received a tip about an illegal fireworks seller in the community and identified Lozano as the suspected source.

A search warrant was issued for a home in the 5800 block of Clifton Avenue in the Hillside neighborhood.

During the raid, authorities discovered around 450 kilograms of “dangerous and illegal fireworks” on the backyard patio. In addition, nearly 100 individual explosive devices, similar to those of the M-80 type, were found, officials said.

In addition, further evidence was found that the suspect had sold illegal fireworks, as well as several illegal firearms.

On June 20, 2024, a stash of illegal fireworks weighing approximately 1,000 pounds and nearly 100 explosive devices were discovered in a Riverside home. (Riverside Police Department)
On June 20, 2024, a stash of illegal fireworks weighing approximately 1,000 pounds and nearly 100 explosive devices were discovered in a Riverside home. (Riverside Police Department)
On June 20, 2024, a stash of illegal fireworks weighing approximately 1,000 pounds and nearly 100 explosive devices were discovered in a Riverside home. (Riverside Police Department)
On June 20, 2024, a stash of illegal fireworks weighing approximately 1,000 pounds and nearly 100 explosive devices were discovered in a Riverside home. (Riverside Police Department)
On June 20, 2024, a stash of illegal fireworks weighing approximately 1,000 pounds and nearly 100 explosive devices were discovered in a Riverside home. (Riverside Police Department)

Lozano was arrested on several charges, including possession of over 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks, possession of destructive devices and firearms violations.

He was also arrested for child endangerment because children living in the home had access to the fireworks, officials said.

Lozano was released the next day on $35,000 bail.

“The City of Riverside reminds all residents that fireworks are illegal within city limits,” officials said. “Anyone caught using illegal fireworks will face a $1,500 fine. The City is actively working to curb the use of illegal fireworks, which can cause injuries, leave veterans with PTSD, frighten animals and start dangerous fires.”

Anyone with additional information about the case or knowledge of illegal fireworks should contact Officer J. Alter at [email protected] or 951-351-6152 or Officer V. Schmitz at [email protected] or 951-351-6404.

The public can also call Riverside Police at 951-354-2007.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the Atlas 1 mobile app using the Send Message function. App downloads for Apple devices can be found here. Downloads for Android devices can be found here.