PALMDALE – On the Fourth of July, Palmdale Station’s Partners against Crime (PAC) team responded to 112 firework disturbance calls and wrote 34 citations for illegal fireworks.
Throughout the evening (from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.) the PAC Team seized 300 pounds of illegal fireworks in the City of Palmdale.
While responding to fireworks disturbance calls deputies wrote one citation for trespassing and arrested 20 year-old Texas resident Deshon Manly for possession of metal knuckles.
Manly was arrested in the 38500 block of 11th Street East in the City of Palmdale. He was transported and booked at the Palmdale Sheriff Station on charges of possessing metal knuckles.
Manly is being held on $20,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, July 8 at the Antelope Valley Court House.
The Palmdale Sheriff Station would like to remind the residents of Palmdale that discharging fireworks any time after 12 p.m. on July 5 will subject the violators to fines.
To report illegal fireworks anonymously, call the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 661-272-2400.
(Information via press release from the Palmdale Sheriff Station.)
BGF says
I bet they would have got a lot more if they has raided the Lancaster Walmart & impounded all the fireworks they had for sale…. Or are fireworks only illegal in Lancaster if they aren’t sold by Walmart?
VillageGirl says
I know that this article only addresses the Sheriff’s Department’s suppression team efforts and while most don’t agree on the topic of fireworks in general, I wanted to add some information that I have gleaned from reading information available in the local papers, on the City of Palmdale’s website as well as calling and asking questions. The special Suppression team fielded in Palmdale is the result of a fee that all the Safe & Sane booths are required to pay ($500 ea!!), this money is only used to pay for the extra enforcement on the 4th and a small amount is used for marketing purposes, other marketing $$ is budgeted annually by the City. Regular patrol deputies are available as they are every day to respond to all other calls for service made to the Sheriff Station. However this team’s “mission” is to issue citations for the use of “illegal” fireworks, which is identified as a crime whether you agree with it or not. So no, they are not ignoring other crime to simply issue citations. For those frustrated with the lack of response by Sheriff’s when calling to report the use of fireworks, I get it, I’ve called too and never saw a deputy, however I did the math. Not enough deputies available to respond to all the fireworks calls, while that doesn’t alleviate my frustration with their inability to respond, I realize they can’t be everywhere at once and they are going to address the firework issue in front of them instead of ping ponging all over the city chasing these calls. I would be willing to bet they would prefer to be “everywhere at once” as I can only imagine this must be a frustrating night for them as well. I initially thought that 27 extra deputies is a lot of Deputies to add to any shift, but from what I witnessed on the 4th (this year and last) as well as other comments I realize it’s not 27 extra patrol cars swarming the city, it appears that they work in teams with several deputies on each team. I could only assume the enforcement is handled this way due to safety issues. Sure enough, I asked around and I checked out past articles (from the archives) and guess what I found, that’s right some of our fine citizens think it is ok to fight with deputies! I personally wouldn’t want to show up as a single or one of only two deputies to these large gatherings where folks have often been drinking, engaged in what they know to be illegal activity, one with a big fine attached, as well as that minor little fact that they are using explosive devices. Somehow, I don’t think the odds favor a good outcome for law enforcement in a situation like this. So I guess upon reflection, I can understand why they group up the deputies. Yes, I expect it means that fewer citations will be issued and unfortunately fewer calls will be responded too, but you never know where they are and it could be the year they are right around the corner, so I don’t plan to give up on the deputies and I’ll continue to call in the and maybe next year will the be the year my neighbors will get cited. Anyway, these are my thoughts on the Sheriff’s Department response (or lack of) on July 4th. There doesn’t seem to be any perfect way to handle this issue and I’m certainly not pretending to know what to do, but I at least have a better understanding.
Uncle Tom says
Perfect, well thought out and researched response. And based on my knowledge, pretty darn accurate. Kudos to you, and here is hoping they are in your area next year if you need them!
Nancy P says
As all the DOJ investigation was happening, I knew the residents of Lancaster were going to be “punished” if the findings were in favor of the crybabies. Between AB109, jail overcrowding, permissive parenting, neighbors all “minding their own business”, schools running schedules around the lazy truant students, “kids being kids”, parents not supporting authority figures to their children, nobody doing anything about the drugs (not weed), alcohol and crime, this valley is going to the dogs.
James says
If the state of California would just legalize all fireworks and set up shooting zones it would increase the states revenue by alot. Think how much money California loses every fourth of July because people drive across the state border to Nevada and spend thousands of dollars on fireworks. If the state would just legalize fireworks they would make more money in sales than handing out $2500 fines. Thats just my opinion
Nancy P says
I think just the opposite James. Just because the State, County or City could make money, is no reason to legalize it. As dry as this community is and the wind blowing most of the time, we could all have our houses go up in flames. I suppose you think we should legalize all drugs, prostitution and lift the DUI restriction? Wow, think of all the money we would save on police and make….Insanity.
Before you or someone argues the prostitution having no victim angle ….save it. Lots of those girls and boys are living in that world long before they are 18 (the magic age). Once in, very few ever get out.
It disappoints me that our King, did not use the spy plane to view, record then cite firework violators, much like red light cameras. $90,000.00 a month for a traffic monitor? I want that job!
James says
I never said anything about drugs, prostitution, and DUI i was simply stating my views on fireworks. And with the set up shooting zones if that was to ever happen im pretty sure they would not build houses near them.
Uncle Tom says
While the idea sounds interesting, lets consider s few things.
Much like right now, where there are areas to use certain types of fireworks, people still decide to break the rules and use prohibited items. Maybe its because they want to enjoy themselves at home, or at a friends. Either way, they dont follow it. Chances are good, even if there are designated areas to shoot and blow up fireworks, people will still do it anywhere they want.
So then maybe we sell the fireworks AT THAT LOCATION ONLY, and don’t allow any unused fireworks to leave the premises…people will still smuggle out the smaller ones to blow off elsewhere, AND they probably will balk at the prices and restrictions, and purchase them out of state.
Either way it means more explosive or burning materials in our communities, which can lead to much more serious injuries. Top it off with potential property damage, emergency services costs, and lawsuits because it was allowed, or one person caused harm to another (negligent or not).
This ‘safe site’ also needs to be patrolled, maintained, secured, with facilities, and EMS on hand in case of injuries. Maybe food or other conveniences available as well. And what point does the potential for harm and cost outweigh the gain that might be provided to the community?
Remember, these are explosives we are talking about, there is a reason they are regulated! Individuals might be mature enough to handle with care, but people in general are far less likely to be as safe and educated as a whole.
James says
Your response is very educated and after reading it i realized it would cost alot to make sure the safe zones are going to be used how they are supposed to be.
Uncle Tom says
I appreciate your positive works, thank you.
Uncle Tom says
err…*words. (Trying to juggle too many thoughts)
enjoyed the show says
Had a great fireworks display in Lancaster on the 4th from somewhere around Ave J and 5th St.East…beautiful…about 2 hours…sat in our back yard and enjoyed the show for free…cops NOT doing their job as always. Even when you call they never come…so thanks for that LASD.
I mean no one has to call, just roll down your windows and listen or look up and you could see where all the NONE safe and sane fireworks were at, but that would be to easy!! Thanks again for a job not done..:)
Notagain says
WELL HERE’S THE THING!!! YOU DO YOUR JOB AN THEN YU HAVE PEOPLE CRYING!! YOU DON’T DO YOUR JOB AN PEOPLE ARE STILL CRYING!!! SO WUTS IT GOING TO BE?
Mr. Mister says
Do the job your paid to do. That’s how it should be.
Notagain says
!! THEN WHY IS IT WE HAVE PEOPLE CRYING ALL THE TIME
LET THEM DO THERE JOB!!!
sameoldsong says
If they were doing their job, how come there was nothing said about “all the arrests they made”?? For a city that was lite up like the 4th of July…pun intended :) seems like they would have mentioned something!!!
But hey, that was a great show, my family and I also watched it.
Mr. Mister says
So following your logic, if people cry that an ambulance doesn’t arrive quick enough, the ambulance should stop responding to calls? I’m not too sure if you’re a sheriff or not, but if you are and you’re not responding to calls because a group of people complains, then you do not deserve a check nor your job. To protect and serve, right? Or is it to make everybody smile and if you can’t do that, then do nothing?
Kevin says
I really don’t understand how Lancaster had no citations? And no confiscations? Zero? What, did they actually intentionally not enforce? Was not mentioned here, but was mentioned in the AV press article. Seems like a political maneuver to not cite, so it can be claimed to be a “Palmdale” problem. Someone’s got to figure out a setup with a microphone to detect the detonations, just to get a benchmark for how horribly low the citation rate is even in Palmdale, and how bad Lancaster is in comparison. Someone’s kid gets blown up next year, and they will be suing the city for not enforcing the law if they have zero citations again.
I think they really need to figure out how to get a fast response and fast turnover on fireworks calls on independence day. Only a small fraction ever get cited or confiscated.
Safe and sane, used in a paved, curbed street are very unlikely to do damage, bottle rockets have some likelihood of damage, especially with the idiots who fire them horizontally. Mortars fired by amateurs in the middle of neighborhoods, with kids tens of feet away is a certain brand of insanity, especially with fireworks brought in from a random factory in Mexico with no quality control. Even the pros stay well away from the fireworks, and they launch electronically, and still end up with people getting hurt occasionally.
Moenna says
It seems to me, that many on this forum, just don’t understand what the police are here for and paid to do.
Crime is crime. Some seem to think that police should overlook lesser crime, not investigate, but wait until something major is called in. So what if that would be the case? If your or your neighbor’s illegal fireworks, should take out a child’s eyes and deem him blind for life, because nobody investigated, do you think this is ok? Crime by whatever level one considers it, almost aways has its consequences.The police are not there to sit around hoping for something which some of us consider more important and overlook illegal fireworks or the odd drunk driver which might pass them by. We pay them to investigate all crime and that is what I hope, they will continue to do.
Moenna
Rooney says
RIGHT ON. WELL SAID!
Fred Gispachio says
The funny thing is: In my neighborhood I am surrounded by cops who live here in W Pdale. guess who shot off illegal fireworks all night and never got their buddies called on them?? Total BS if you ask me. Every year they go around and harass citizens who are doing the same thing the cops are doing every year in front of their own houses.
ryeneshia Jackson says
the LASD doesnt want to step up to two citys that are filled with drug addicts and thugs who wants to keep going to calls that they cant do anything about
tunechi says
damn pigs grow up
Rooney says
They are grown up silly. They couldn’t be cops if they were children like you. The only ones who say something bad about them are ones who’ve had a run-in with them. As long as you’re good and obey the laws, you have nothing to worry about. Now isn’t that nice?
Uncle Tom says
Damned if they do, damned if they don’t. No matter what they do, SOMEBODY will be upset.
People complain that LASD have better things to do than bust people for illegal fireworks. People complain because they get a traffic ticket…again doesn’t the LASD have something better to do? How about responding to burglary calls…still not good enough? Vandalism? How about public intoxication? DUI? Assault? Rape? Murder? Wheres the cut off for what you feel they ‘SHOULD’ be doing?
How about people stop with the non or less violent crimes, then perhaps LASD could spend more time on all the more serious matters. Oh wait, but then you still want to have fun with your friends, because your actions don’t bother anybody else right? What your doing doesn’t infringe on other people? I mean, its just a quick U-turn, a little aerial show for a few friends, a few drinks before heading home. Oh..wait..that jaywalking you pulled made some guy slam on his brakes because they could not see you, those fireworks landed in a wood pile that the neighbors have and set it on fire, you didn’t realize how intoxicated you were and ended up hitting another car.
I just wish LASD had MORE teams out last night, so they could have issued more fines and confiscated more fireworks. People feel they are ‘entitled’ to do whatever the f they want, never really realizing that they affect everybody around them.
But hey, its no big deal right? LASD are just a bunch of a-holes, causing problems for you? Never mind that there are just as many people, probably more, that don’t want your BS actions taking place. But they are wrong and you are right…is that how it is?
Rooney says
I love your comment! You said it all. Thank you much.
Tia says
300 pounds of illegal fireworks and brass knuckles… What a waste of resources!
mick says
This is really neither here nor their I guess…but what the heck are metal knuckles??? Do they mean brass knuckles?
Johnny Trece says
There’s plenty of other metal type of knuckles. Brass knuckles are the most common because they cause plenty of damage and are cheaper to make.
Up2here says
I am glad to hear this. Way to go LASD! There are plenty of illegal fireworks in my area and I have to sedate my dogs every year. I wish they would outlaw them on city streets and just have them at the fairgrounds.
Dave says
Get over yourself. You want them to make fireworks illegal cause of your dogs? You obviously don’t have kids who enjoy this. It’s fun and brings people together. You’re probably some old lonely person who only has dogs.
Dave or Dick? says
Old, lonely people who only have dogs have the same right that you have to voice opinions.
Get over yourself if you think only your “fun” is valid.
You’re probably just a self-absorbed prick.
Rooney says
No, I’m not old and I love my dogs and I like fireworks but not the M-80’s that my neighbors let off. I’m not against partying as long as it’s not bothering the neighbors. There are noise laws but you know, the entire thing is that people today, especially in the AV do not have any respect for their fellow man. You must be one of them if you think that way of me.
Rooney says
Thank you above for your comment. I love seeing people with common sense. You have a safe weekend!
Turd Ferguson says
LEAPS was up in the air was helping out with crowd control at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.LEAPS was up in the air was helping out with crowd control at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.LEAPS is supposed to fight crime.LEAPS is supposed to fight crime.LEAPS does not fight crime.LEAPS does not fight crime.LEAPS only makes money for it’s owners.LEAPS only makes money for it’s owners.$90,000.00 a month for LEAPS crowd control.$90,000.00 a month for LEAPS crowd control.Of tax payer money.Of tax payer money.For 10 years.For 10 years.That is $10,800,000.00.That is $10,800,00.00.How many sherriffs can you hire for $10,800,000.00?How many sherriffs can you hire for $10,800,000.00?No to LEAPS.No to LEAPS.Yes to sherriffs.Yes to sherriffs.More boots on the ground.More boots on the ground.
Carson P says
What a waste of money.
Barry Bigtoe says
Is there an echo in here? Is there an echo in here?
M says
I was enjoying spending time with my neighbors for the first time in 13 months over a variety of fireworks when SEVEN patrol cars came and squashed the party. Sitting there with the sheriffs standing over my friends for the next 20 minutes, it occurred to me that there was probably a violent crime gong on right at that very minute, right here in the AV.
I guess violent crime doesn’t pay the state of CA $2500 per citation, huh?
j says
Illegal fireworks are illegal. Did you honestly think the cops were gonna give you and your neighbors a round of applause?
Don’t break the law and you have nothing to worry about when they “crash” your party.
Up2here says
They are doing their job. Back off!
eo2 says
Where do we begin with this one? Sounds like you were in an area where fireworks are prohibited or not using the safe and lame variety. As for the response? I do not know, maybe it takes a gang of thugs to commit extortion. The bit about the easy revenue is spot on.
FAva says
The police don’t have anything better to do?
Joe Mama says
You mean other than enforcing the law?
Irritated says
While Lancaster Sherriff Department said they don’t have time to respond.
James Stamsek says
Right?!!? How about Rex open that cactus curtain to what’s going on under his own nose. lol
Irritated says
Couldn’t agree more!!