Newark police crack down on illegal fireworks, bust seller on Craigslist

NEWARK, Calif. (KGO) -- The Fourth of July is a week out and already Newark police are busting illegal fireworks' sales.

Neighborhood complaints regarding illegal firework sales led Newark police to investigate.

Officers located a Craigstlist advertisement for "Boom fireworks." An officer, posing as a buyer, went to the suspect's home where he purchased several illegal aerial and explosives.

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A follow-up search warrant was conducted and officers ultimately seized several thousands of dollars in illegal fireworks in excess of 350 lbs.

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office bomb squad responded to collect the explosives.

Shekhar Ali, 21, was arrested for possession of dangerous fireworks, advertising to sell dangerous fireworks and sale of dangerous fireworks. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Newark allows so-called safe and sane fireworks, but many Bay Area cities have a total ban.

Click here to download the Nail'em App to help report illegal fireworks.