A man was arrested in Tustin, California, after allegedly setting off a homemade firework near a popular shopping center. The incident occurred at The Village at Tustin Legacy, prompting the evacuation of several businesses, including Chipotle. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the shopping mall itself did not sustain any damage.
Tustin Police Lt. Matt Nunley stated that a 30-year-old man was detained following a witness report of smoke and an individual walking away from the scene. The man was cited for three misdemeanor health and safety code violations related to the firework before being released.
The firework in question was described as tube-shaped and bearing a resemblance to a pipe bomb. However, investigators believe this was an isolated incident and not part of a larger threat.
Upon responding to the incident, the Orange County Fire Authority reported it as a 'suspicious package.' The FBI's Los Angeles Field Office also became involved, as is standard procedure for reported explosions.
The shopping center, which houses various establishments such as restaurants, salons, and gyms, is a popular spot in Tustin, located over 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
