Santa Maria Man Arrested for Illegal Fireworks Near Ventura Beach
VENTURA, Calif. — A Santa Maria man was arrested Saturday night for possession of dangerous fireworks after officers responded to reports of large, professional-grade fireworks being detonated near Surfer’s Point, according to the Ventura Police Department.
Officers received multiple calls about the fireworks at approximately 10:48 p.m. and arrived to find a large group gathered on the beach watching the display. Police contacted one individual, identified as Dario Pantoja, 44, of Santa Maria, who was found in possession of dangerous fireworks.
Several fireworks were scattered on the beach, and remnants ignited small fires in the sand, police said. Officers arrested Pantoja on suspicion of possessing dangerous explosives, a violation of California Penal Code 18715, and transported him to the Ventura County Jail.
Ventura Forward, a local social media reporter, said the fireworks lasted for about seven minutes. He shared that some of his followers believed they "were being attacked."
Some in the community believed the fireworks were coming from the Ventura County Fairgrounds. However, the Fairgrounds issued a statement clarifying that the fireworks were not connected to any event at the venue.
'The Fairgrounds has been informed of the illegal activities, including fireworks, that occurred near the grounds last night and led to arrests. The fireworks were not at nor related to any event happening at the Fairgrounds,' the statement read.
Another individual at the scene was found to have a misdemeanor warrant out of Imperial County and was also taken into custody.
Authorities reminded the public that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Ventura. The fireworks involved in this case were launchable, mortar-style explosives that detonate in the air and are classified as dangerous.
