Several injured, including officer, after firework explodes in July 4th celebration crowd

CENTERVILLE, Utah (ABC4) — Several people, including a police officer, were injured after a firework exploded into a crowd of people at Centerville Community Park on Saturday.

Lt. Will Barnes with the Centerville Police Department said the incident happened just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, during the Centerville Freedom Fest, an annual public Fourth of July celebration event held at the park.

During the event, a lit firework, described as an aerial or mortar-style firework, landed near a Centerville officer who had been patrolling a crowded area near the concession stands. Barnes said the officer instinctively tried to extinguish the fuse by stomping on it, but it exploded, hitting the officer’s lower leg. Lt. Barnes said the officer suffered burns as a result.

Two minors who were standing nearby were struck by debris from the firework but suffered only minor scrapes and burns. Lt. Barnes said their injuries were not serious and were treated at the scene by emergency crews.

Several minors were detained after allegedly attempting to flee the area after the explosion. The minors were interviewed and released to their parents. However, after an investigation, officers identified and arrested two minors who were booked into the Farmington Bay Youth Detention Facility on multiple charges.

An investigation into the fireworks incident is still ongoing and Centerville Police is requesting any additional victims or witnesses to make a report by calling 801-292-8441.