Detectives recently received a tip informing them that illegal fireworks were being advertised for sale in Downey on Craigslist. Following up on this information, undercover detectives arranged to meet with seller Jose Zepeda at a local restaurant parking lot and purchased illegal fireworks from him on Wednesday. A second purchase of illegal fireworks was arranged today and Jose’s brother, Juan Zepeda, arrived at the location and was taken into custody for selling illegal fireworks to undercover detectives. Illegal fireworks were immediately seized from inside Juan’s vehicle.
Detectives served a search warrant at Jose Zepeda’s home in the 7300 block of Dinwiddie in the City of Downey and seized numerous boxes of illegal fireworks weighing in excess of 3000 pounds.
37-year-old Jose Angel Zepeda of Downey was arrested for possession of illegal fireworks in excess of 100 pounds, a felony, and will appear in court at a later date to face charges. 36-year-old Juan Zepeda of Downey was arrested for selling illegal fireworks, a misdemeanor, and will appear in court at a later date to face charges.
The Downey Police Department has a “zero tolerance” policy towards the possession and use of illegal fireworks. Anyone with information relating to the possession or use of illegal fireworks is encouraged to contact the Downey Police Department at (562) 861-0771. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Press inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Alex Irizabal at (562) 904-2369.
Reference Case Number 17-44852
