CLEVELAND – Law enforcement in Cleveland and within the Cleveland Metroparks will be out in force throughout the July Fourth holiday weekend, promoting safety and the municipal codes concerning fireworks, public alcohol use, and noise.
Cleveland police are reminding citizens that the use of illegal fireworks will be investigated and violators will be cited as: 605.10(b)(10) “the discharge of, ignition, or explosion of any fireworks, except novelty or trick fireworks” as a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
Cleveland Police Detective Jennifer Ciaccia told NewsChannel5 police will be issuing citations for the use of illegal fireworks. Violators can be arrested for the first violation, and could face jail time.
“During the weeks betweeen June 15 and July 15 you can actually be cited for a 3rd degree misdomenor for lighting off any fireworks within the city of Cleveland,” said Detective Ciaccia.
Cleveland Police Headquarters issued the following public warning:
“Fireworks pose a serious threat when not handled properly. However, illegal fireworks pose an even greater threat to those using or storing them and revelers. Illegal fireworks are notoriously unreliable and dangerous, and can quickly turn a holiday into a tragic day.”
“The vast majority of injuries occur during the weeks leading up to and following the Fourth of July. For a safe and fun Fourth of July, leave the fireworks to the experts, as the discharge of, ignition, or explosion of any fireworks, except novelty or trick fireworks, are illegal in the City of Cleveland.“
Meanwhile law enforcement will be keeping watch at the new Lakefront Reservation, which includes Edgewater Beach, E. 55th Street Marina and Gordon Park (72nd Street Boat Ramp) in addition to newly acquired Wildwood Park, Villa Angela Park and Euclid Beach Park in Euclid Creek Reservation.
Cleveland Metropark Rangers issued a warning to visitors who plan to consume alcohol. Rangers urge citizens to choose a designated driver, take a taxi or use public transportation.
Open container laws will be enforced throughout the city and within the parks system.
The City of Cleveland issued the following statement concerning park patrols:
“Rangers will be on foot, on bikes, in patrol cruisers, with the K-9s and on horseback. In particular Rangers will be looking for violations concerning disorderly conduct, pets off leash, drug abuse, alcohol abuse (alcohol is not permitted in the park), theft, driving under suspension and warrant violations.”
A comprehensive listing of park regulations can be found here: http://on.wews.com/14UqT98
Article Courtesy of WEWS NewsChannel 5
Picture Courtesy of Getty Images and WEWS NewsChannel 5
Cleveland Police Officers on the Lookout for Illegal Fireworks was originally published on wzakcleveland.com
