Overview
- Police say home security camera footage captured a mortar-style firework launched from one property that struck a neighboring roof, burned through to insulation and caused about $1,000 in damage with no reported injuries.
- Officers identified 43-year-old Ben Shein as the suspect in the roof strike; he later surrendered and was booked on felony charges including criminal threats, felony arson, and felony vandalism.
- A separate patrol the next day led to the arrest of 55-year-old Dan Flynn for violating pretrial release after officers found brass knuckles, an illegal M-150 firecracker, and oxycodone on his person.
- The Petaluma Police Department says the mortar investigation remains active, urged residents to call 911 for dangerous or illegal fireworks, and noted the city’s sanctioned Fourth of July show will go forward at the fairgrounds.
- Local reporting places the arrests in a wider Bay Area push to curb dangerous private fireworks use, noting many cities ban consumer fireworks and authorities have stepped up enforcement and fines ahead of July 4.