DistrictMatters

The spectacular fireworks display at the Washington Monument on July 4th provides a night of family fun and celebration. But all across the city, legal and illegal fireworks are being ignited. From open fields to front porches, crackles can be heard constantly throughout this holiday week. For most, it’s all in good fun, but let’s remember how dangerous fireworks can really be. I saw a report from Christopher Metzler on the MPD 1D listserve this morning highlighting some disturbing behavior:

For about the last 30 minutes, a group of seven b/m teenagers have been
going up into people’s front yards or on their porches, mounting bottle rockets
and shooting them off, running away, and returning three minutes later to do it
again. Also part of the entertainment includes shooting the bottle rockets
at people’s houses and cars. I’ve called 311 a couple of times; no police
have been by as yet.

While this behavior is inexcusable, it’s also disconcerting to see that there has been no response by the police. Personally, I debate whether this should actually be a 911 call as opposed to 311. The possible injury/damage that can be caused by these fireworks, as well as the trespassing that is occurring, seems to be pretty serious for rock of ages tickets. It’s up to all of us to keep on our police to make sure they enforce the law. It’s also up to us to make sure our young people have other activities to do that keeps them from being mischievous.

If anyone has seen anything similar on their blocks, please feel free to post them here.