The Waukegan Bomb Squad was called after a man was arrested by police for selling homemade fireworks, which was equivalent to a half-stick of dynamite, police said.
Sgt. Christopher Covelli said that Lake County Sheriff Gang Task Force detectives received a tip on July 3 that a man was selling illegal explosive devices on social media.
Undercover detectives setup a purchase of 100 ‘half-sticks’ of the explosive devices from the seller, Sgt. Covelli said.
Detectives made the purchase from the seller, Janko Armanov, 30, of the 3100 block of Grandville Avenue in Waukegan. Armanov was arrested following the sale.
In addition to the 100 explosive devices sold, detectives also recovered an additional 40 devices.
The Waukegan Bomb Squad was called to secure the explosives. It is believed the devices contained enough explosive powder to be equivalent to that of a half-stick of dynamite, according to sheriff’s officials.
“These homemade fireworks could have resulted in someone getting seriously injured or killed. We remind the community to leave the fireworks to the professionals while enjoying Independence Day celebrations,” Sheriff Mark Curran said.
Armanov was charged with unlawful use of an explosive substance, which is a class 3 felony. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 5.
These things are being blown off right here in Wonder Lake. How about a task force out here??