BUNNELL, Fla. – The firework that severely injured two young boys in Flagler County was a "dangerous and altered" firework that had been stolen from a business in Bunnell, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies said dozens of explosives were stolen from Big Nic’s Boom Boom Sticks at 2121 N State Street in Bunnell and are still missing.
The person or people who broke into the business altered the fireworks by removing or pulling off the fuses, meaning the person who lit it would have a shorter amount of time to safely get away from the firework before it exploded, deputies said.
“The primary concern is the safety of the community and children and to get these dangerous and altered fireworks off of the streets,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We do not want to see anyone else get hurt. These stolen fireworks have already caused permanent disfigurement to two small children and one child’s life has been changed forever.”
Two boys, ages 8 and 11, came across one of the stolen fireworks with an altered fuse at Dr. Carver Park in Bunnell. The boys lit the firework and shortly after, it exploded.
A woman who was at the park and called 911 said one boy's hand was hanging off and the other child suffered injuries to his face.
"I heard the firecracker and I looked and saw the kids running and yelling, 'Mama, mama, mama,'" the woman told a 911 dispatcher. "I saw his hand was hanging off, so I made him get in my car."
Details on the boy's injuries have not been released. Deputies do not believe the two boys were involved in the burglary at Big Nic’s Boom Boom Sticks. No possible suspects have been identified.
Deputies said anyone who is in possession of the stolen fireworks can turn them in at any law enforcement or fire department immediately, no questions asked.
Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call FCSO at 386-313-4911 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).