Bomb squad, ATF, search Kirk Road home
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Federal agents and members of the police department’s bomb squad carted out large numbers of shells and fireworks from a Kirk Road home Wednesday afternoon.
They were serving a search warrant at the home in the 2200 block of Kirk Road as part of an investigation into the illegal manufacture of fireworks.
Police Lt. Doug Bobovnyik said over the weekend police received a tip that the person who owns the home was storing fireworks and manufacturing them, a violation of both city and federal ordinances, Bobovnyik said.
Members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also are conducting the investigation and were on hand Wednesday.
Bobovnyik said several people were interviewed and investigators were able to secure a search warrant through municipal court.
Bobovnyik said he will confer with the city prosecutor’s office to see if federal or city charges will be filed.
Bobovnyik would not identify the person who lives in the home, but neighbors said the man usually has an impressive fireworks display on the Fourth of July.
Bobonyik said that a large number of fireworks were carried out, and there was some evidence that fireworks were being manufactured at the home.
“This could have posed quite a threat to the neighborhood,” Bobovnyik said. “I did not see any safety equipment.”
Bobovnyik said the types of fireworks and potential fireworks found inside are sensitive to light and heat.
“It was good that someone notified the police of this matter,” Bobovnyik said.
The ATF had an explosives expert come from Indianapolis, Ind., to help, as well as a dog and agents from other states, Bobovnyik said.