Inside LADA

The DA’s Office urges anyone who witnesses illegal fireworks activity to report it immediately to local law enforcement

 INGLEWOOD, CA — As Independence Day approaches, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is warning residents not to engage in the use, possession or sale of illegal fireworks, citing a recent case in which powerful explosives injured a woman and caused destruction in an Inglewood residential neighborhood.

“Illegal fireworks are not just dangerous, they’re criminal,” District Attorney Hochman said. “If you set off explosives in our neighborhoods, injure our residents, damage our homes, and terrorize our communities, we will come after you with the full weight of the law. Do not gamble with your freedom this Fourth of July.”

Joshua Alavez (dob 1/25/99) of Inglewood was awaiting a preliminary hearing stemming from charges that he set off illegal fireworks directed at crowds and police during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series celebration. That incident occurred at 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2024, in the 5600 block of Whittier Blvd. in Commerce.

While on pretrial release, he allegedly ignited large-scale pyrotechnic devices in an Inglewood residential neighborhood on Christmas Day 2024.

The blasts shattered windows in a nearby apartment building, damaged multiple vehicles, and drew a crowd of young onlookers. One of the explosives tore through a woman’s bedroom window, causing lacerations to her face.

Alavez, who allegedly ran a clothing line advertising “pyrotechnics,” allegedly modified several fireworks to increase their concussive detonations.

He faces one felony count each of explosion of destructive device causing bodily injury, possession of the ingredients to make a destructive device, and possession of a destructive device on a public street. Alavez also faces two felony counts of vandalism $400 or more in damage or destruction of property in case 24IWCF00822. It is further alleged that at the time of the crimes, the defendant was released from bail in case 24CJCF06815.

Alavez pleaded not guilty to all counts during his arraignment and his pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 9 in Department O of the Inglewood Courthouse.

If convicted as charged in both cases, Alavez faces up to 35 years in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Shiraz Khalid of the Inglewood Branch and was investigated by the Inglewood Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Arson and Explosives Division, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

While fireworks-related offenses are handled by LADA branch offices throughout Los Angeles County, the Arson and Explosives Section of the Target Crimes Division leads the prosecution of many of the most serious cases. Since Jan. 1, 2024, prosecutors have filed 54 cases countywide involving destructive devices, explosives or illegal fireworks.

“I’m grateful to the prosecutors in our Target Crimes Division and deputy district attorneys throughout our office, as well as our law enforcement partners, who are working diligently to eliminate the use of illegal and destructive fireworks in our communities,” District Attorney Hochman said.

Other Recent Illegal Fireworks Cases:

Alexis Duran (dob 8/05/99) of El Monte was charged with one felony count of carrying a loaded handgun on one’s person or in a vehicle not registered; and one misdemeanor count each of possession of fireworks without a valid permit and violation of pyrotechnics devices. Case 25WCCF00606. On June 9, 2025, officers contacted the defendant in a La Puente parking lot and seized approximately 50 pounds of illegal fireworks from inside his vehicle. If convicted as charged, Duran faces up to five years in county jail and a fine of $1,000.

William Rubio (dob 11/3/01) of Los Angeles was charged with two felony counts each of assault upon a peace officer and use of a destructive device to injure or destroy. On June 8, 2025, at about 11:45 p.m., police were responding to the intersection of First and Spring streets where protesters had gathered. Rubio is accused of throwing fireworks at officers that he had in a backpack. A search of Rubio’s backpack revealed additional fireworks. Case 25CJCF03418. If convicted as charged, Rubio faces up to eight years and eight months in state prison.

Jose Serrano dob (10/20/83) of Azusa. LADA investigator received tip that defendant was selling fireworks on Instagram. Search of storage facility in Azusa on June 27, 2022, revealed over 14,000 pounds of fireworks. Reconstituted fireworks, which are bomb making materials, were recovered from his home. He pleaded no contest to possession of fireworks without a valid permit. Case KA131729.

Lorenzo Ponce (dob 3/14/59) of Los Angeles. In June 2023, the Los Angeles Fire Department conducted a routine building inspection at a commercial building in the 600 block of E. 61 St. in Los Angeles when they found a large quantity of fireworks and notified the Los Angeles Police Department. The police bomb squad determined that the fireworks quantity exceeded 25,000 pounds. Ponce and his son Diego Ponce pleaded no contest to possession of dangerous fireworks more than 5,000 pounds. Case BA515714.

The charges filed in these cases are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The DA’s Office urges anyone who witnesses illegal fireworks activity to report it immediately to local law enforcement. Residents are reminded that even possession of certain fireworks can be a felony under California law, particularly when they are modified or used in a reckless manner.

Watch the Inglewood illegal fireworks incident on Citizen here.