7 Arrested in Northern California Fireworks Warehouse Blast That Killed 7
Authorities in Northern California have arrested seven individuals in connection with a deadly fireworks warehouse explosion near Esparto that occurred last July. The blast killed seven people and injured two others, sparking a massive fire that forced the cancellation of nearby Fourth of July celebrations. Among those arrested are Samuel Machado, a Yolo County Sheriff’s lieutenant, and his wife Tammy, who owned the warehouse. Both were placed on leave following the incident. Kenneth Chee, owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics, was arrested in Florida and faces extradition to California. Other suspects include Jack Lee, operations manager for Devastating Pyrotechnics; Gary Chan Jr., whose name appears on the company’s federal license; Craig Cutright, owner of Blackstar Fireworks and a volunteer firefighter; and Ronald Botelho III, an employee already in custody. The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office is expected to announce indictments, with several suspects facing murder charges. The investigation highlights illegal storage of fireworks and significant regulatory violations involving local law enforcement personnel and licensed pyrotechnic companies.
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7 Arrested in Northern California Fireworks Warehouse Blast That Killed 7
Authorities in Northern California have arrested seven individuals in connection with a deadly fireworks warehouse explosion near Esparto that occurred last July. The blast killed seven people and injured two others, sparking a massive fire that forced the cancellation of nearby Fourth of July celebrations. Among those arrested are Samuel Machado, a Yolo County Sheriff’s lieutenant, and his wife Tammy, who owned the warehouse. Both were placed on leave following the incident. Kenneth Chee, owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics, was arrested in Florida and faces extradition to California. Other suspects include Jack Lee, operations manager for Devastating Pyrotechnics; Gary Chan Jr., whose name appears on the company’s federal license; Craig Cutright, owner of Blackstar Fireworks and a volunteer firefighter; and Ronald Botelho III, an employee already in custody. The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office is expected to announce indictments, with several suspects facing murder charges. The investigation highlights illegal storage of fireworks and significant regulatory violations involving local law enforcement personnel and licensed pyrotechnic companies.
AP News