Owensboro Police Reporting Several Fireworks-Related Felony Charges on July 5th

The Owensboro Police Department was very busy on opposite ends of Tuesday, July 5th, responding to calls for service at Kendall Perkins Park at 12:39AM and11:25PM that day.

Officers encountered large crowds gathered while fireworks were being used in unsafe manners that were in violation of city ordinances.

Multiple arrests were made and several of the charges were felonies.

The OPD wants to inform the public of the specific charges regarding fireworks:

• Fireworks Use in City Limits – City Ordinance Violation (Fine)
• Parental Responsibility for Minors – City Ordinance Violation (Fine)
• Failure to Disperse – Class B Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct, 2nd Degree – Class B Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct, 1st Degree – Class A Misdemeanor
• Wanton Endangerment, 2nd Degree – Class A Misdemeanor
• Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree – Class D Felony

In addition, here are the rules that govern the use of fireworks within the city limits:

Fireworks may only be used between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00
p.m.

Fireworks may be used between 10:00 a.m. and Midnight on –
• December 31st through January 1st
• July 3rd
• July 4th
• Memorial Day
• The date set by the city commission as the date to celebrate
Independence Day

No person may use fireworks if they are
• Under the age of 18
• Within 200 feet of any structure
• Within 200 feet of any vehicle (operational or non-operational)
• Within 200 feet of any other person
• Or where the use of such places that person in violation of
any other law, regulation, or ordinance