WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — An “extremely large cache” of fireworks was seized from a barn at Station Road Farm Thursday night, according to police officials.
An illegal fireworks store was operating at the business, West Chester police said Friday morning.
West Chester PD, Sheriff, and SW Ohio Bomb Squad on scene at investigation @ Station Road Farm. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/MWiw8BVNm5
— Andy Overton (@theandyoverton) July 1, 2016
Police served a search warrant at the business Thursday night after receiving a tip from a resident. Two 15- to 20-foot trailers, packed with “professional-level” fireworks were removed from the business, according to police.
They estimated the value of the seized fireworks at $100,000 to $300,000.
"It was stored in the same area where there was fueling for vehicles and large amounts of firewood that’s being seasoned, and it had the makings for a big disaster," said Lt. David Tibin of the West Chester Township Police.
West Chester Police detectives, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Butler County Bomb Squad were at the nursery on Station Road into the early morning hours Friday carrying dozens of boxes from the barn.
No arrests have been made, but the investigation is still underway, police said.
There was no fire or explosions, according to Barb Wilson, township spokeswoman. Detectives held a news conference about the illegal activity at 10 a.m. Thursday.
WCPO is following this story and will update it shortly.
