Officers searching for firework thief, fearful of possible danger
DUNNELL, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A fireworks business, Big Nic's Boom Boom Sticks, in Bunnell was burglarized and dozens of extremely dangerous and altered fireworks are missing, reports the Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO).
Officers discovered the burglary while following up on an incident involving two children lighting fireworks that exploded on them at Dr. Carver Park in Bunnell on July 9th.
Sheriff Rick Staly believes the firework that injured the 7 and 8 year old boys was likely from the store. Staly’s investigators believe someone broke into the store and it quickly became “known” that there was a way inside and fireworks sitting unguarded.
"And it was basically a free for all,” he said. “From what we can tell it was well known in the community, 'come get your free fireworks' basically."
Staly said they have no way of knowing how many fireworks were taken from the building, but he said the business owner told investigators that he wouldn’t even sell those particular fireworks because they were too dangerous.
The FCSO and Bunnell Police Department is asking anyone who may be in possession of these fireworks to turn them in to any law enforcement or fire department immediately, no questions asked.
"The primary concern is the safety of the community and children to get these dangerous and altered fireworks off of the streets," Sheriff Rick Staly said. "We do not want to see anyone else get hurt. These stolen fireworks have already caused permanent disfigurement to two small children and one child's life has been changed forever."
If you have any information regarding the firework burglary, please contact the FCSO at 386-313-4911 or call Crimestoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477). You may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Staly said at this point no decisions have been made about potential responsibility placed on the store owner.