TUSTIN, Calif. – A man was apprehended on Tuesday after allegedly detonating a homemade firework near a shopping center in Southern California, according to the Tustin Police Department.
The incident took place at The Village at Tustin Legacy, prompting authorities to evacuate several businesses, including Chipotle. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries and no damage to the shopping mall, as confirmed by Eric Davidson, a spokesperson for Regency Centers, the company that owns and operates The Village.
Tustin Police Lt. Matt Nunley stated that the arrest was made after a witness reported seeing smoke and an individual walking away from the scene. Following the incident, the 30-year-old man was cited for three misdemeanor health and safety code violations related to the firework, and then released.
The firework, described as tube-shaped and resembling a pipe bomb, raised concerns among investigators. However, they believe it was an isolated incident with no further threat to the area.
Authorities from the Orange County Fire Authority and the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office responded to the scene, as standard procedure for reported explosions. The quick response from law enforcement and emergency services helped ensure the safety of the shopping center, which includes various businesses such as restaurants, salons, and gyms.
Tustin, located more than 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, is typically known for its peaceful environment, and the unusual occurrence left the community and business owners shaken. However, the swift action by law enforcement and the lack of serious harm or damage provided reassurance to the residents and businesses in the area.