WEST VALINDA — Three men spotted lighting illegal fireworks in the street late Wednesday led deputies to discover about 3,000 pounds of the stuff inside a nearby garage, authorities said.
Deputies patrolling about 8:30 p.m. spotted three men lighting fireworks in the street in the 1400 block of Sandia Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. Greg Gutierrez said in a written statement. The three men were arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks.
“After further investigation, (deputies) saw an open residential garage which contained what they believe to be numerous boxes of illegal fireworks,” Gutierrez said. Officials then obtained a search warrant.
“As a result of the search warrant, approximately 3,000 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized,” the sergeant said.
Investigators withheld the suspect’s names Thursday, citing an active investigation.
The fireworks were turned over to Los Angeles County firefighters for disposal.

PHOTO courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department