Police crackdown on fireworks turns violent

(Staten Island-WABC, July 5, 2007) (WABC) -- New York City police defused a lot of 4th of July parties last night, seizing more than 800 illegal fireworks. But on Staten Island, one crackdown turned violent, ending with several people getting hurt and about two dozen facing charges.

Authorities say the suspects were men and women who just wouldn't listen. They were warned several times, as authorities were trying to do their jobs.

The incident took place at 23 Filmore Place in Staten Island.

Authorities say residents around the home were illegally setting off fireworks. They were warned three times by police not to do so.

"They surrounded police officers in a threatening manner. Police officers were fearful for their own safety at the time, that's why they called for assistance," said Richmond County D.A. Daniel Donovan Jr.

The assistant DA says five cops were injured, that police from all over Staten Island were called in. More than two dozen people were charged.

The man who owns the house was charged with felony assault after he allegedly slammed his door on cops.

All so that residents could have their own neighborhood fireworks, nevermind that it's against the law.

"It's ridiculous is what it's saying. We told people we were going to be enforcing the law. People who were going to be transporting the fireworks, we told them we were going to take their car. Yet, there are some individuals who just didn't believe us or don't care," said D.A. Donovan Jr.

Twenty-eight residents were charged for disorderly conduct. At least 19 of them are facing charges like rioting, assault and also obstruction of a government operation. One of them is actually facing a felony assault charge.

The injuries to the police officers are all believed to be minor.

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