Illegal Fireworks on July 4 Trigger Arrests in D.C. and Ohio

Police in two U.S. cities confronted large groups of youths who fired illegal fireworks at people and buildings during Independence Day celebrations, leading to injuries and arrests. In Blue Ash, Ohio, the local police department said "multiple" juveniles were taken into custody after fireworks were set off in a crowd, sending sparks toward bystanders and injuring an officer who was later hospitalized. Authorities did not immediately release the total number of arrests or the condition of the officer. Roughly 450 miles away in Washington, D.C., residents of the Navy Yard neighborhood reported hours-long barrages of roman-candle-style fireworks aimed at apartment lobbies, passing cars and pedestrians. WJLA-TV, citing the Metropolitan Police Department, said 18 arrests were made as officers responded to dozens of complaints about illegal fireworks. The department has not yet published its official tally, and the Washington Examiner earlier reported no arrests, underscoring the fluid nature of the incident. Both cities restrict consumer fireworks that fly or explode. Officials in Washington had launched a dedicated enforcement team ahead of the holiday, while Blue Ash police said they would review the disturbance for potential additional charges. Comprehensive arrest and injury statistics from the July 4 festivities are expected later this week.