Fireworks shot at people, police in ‘disappointing’ Halloween gathering: Delta PD
Posted November 1, 2022 7:08 pm.
Last Updated November 1, 2022 8:11 pm.
The Delta Police Department says fireworks were being intentionally shot at people, leading to multiple injuries during a gathering of youth and young adults in Tsawwassen on Monday night.
Police say up to 400 people gathered near South Delta Secondary School and Dennison Park on Halloween night.
DeltaPD Acting Insp. James Sandberg says fireworks were being shot directly at people, including police officers.
“Different groups of youth firing them back and forth as well, when our officers attended, our officers became targets from some of those fireworks,” he told CityNews.
Related Stories:
Sandberg says one of the youths was hit by a firework, igniting their jacket on fire, causing serious burns. He estimates about “six or seven” people were hurt overall.
“We have a couple of officers that, although minor, did receive injury to the point where we’re now looking at [Worksafe BC] claims,” he said.
Sandberg adds there were also garbage cans and bushes that were set on fire, along with some graffiti at the park.
“I’m just really disappointed. We have such high expectations for our community and this is really a letdown,” he noted, adding it’s not yet known the cost of the damages.
Thank you to a few parents who have heard our message. For those who haven't been able to catch up to their kids, they may now be in Dennison Park. #pleaseberesponsible https://t.co/NA5xhjbcEU
— Delta Police Department (@deltapolice) November 1, 2022
In a statement, Chief of the DeltaPD, Neil Dubord says the department has never seen actions like this on Halloween.
“In previous years, throughout Delta, our officers typically saw Halloween celebrations of small groups and small amounts of fireworks. 2022 presented differently. Last night our officers observed organized, deliberate attempts to do damage and cause disruption,” he said.
The department has released a video taken of the gathering, appearing to show people setting off fireworks close to the ground, directly at others.
DeltaPD is appealing for anyone else with footage to upload it to an online portal.
