SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (WTEN) — All fireworks are banned in the City of Schenectady. That didn’t stop 28 people who on the Fourth of July were arrested for code violations.
“We had plenty of call-ins for fireworks and loud music but we also hired multiple officers to go out there and be on proactive patrol to be looking for issues as they pop up,” said Lieutenant Ryan Macherone. The violations include lighting fireworks and noise complaints.
If those charged are found guilty, Mayor Gary McCarthy said those suspects will face fines. “I believe the court system works. Sometimes it’s frustrating in terms of getting people into it. Having the ability to talk about the 28 arrests may help create a deterrence.”
None of the 28 arrests were related to a fire on Avenue A that destroyed two home. Fire officials said the accident was caused by discarded fireworks. But in this case, no charges have yet been filed.
“The fire department has investigators that will investigate certain incidents like this and certainly we are also in communication with the District Attorney’s Office to see the applicability of charges,” explained Lieutenant Macherone.
When it comes to how the devastating fire may play out in court, NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski asked two law partners from different firms, “What can legally be done by families who lose their homes from fireworks?”
“It’s still negligence and that’s what the homeowners gonna claim in any type of lawsuit or action against the insurance company,” said Greg Rinckey, Founding Partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC.
