3 youths charged after fireworks set off near Gaukel Block for Victoria Day

It was another year where dangerous fireworks ended the Victoria Day long weekend.

The primary area of concern this year was once again centred around Gaukel Block. Fireworks could first be heard in the area around 8-8:30 p.m. on Monday before ramping up around 9 p.m.

Eyewitness video shows dozens of people fleeing the area in downtown Kitchener near Victoria Park when fireworks were set off on the sidewalk and the roadway.

According to one witness, a group of youths were seen in the area of Gaukel Block allegedly shooting fireworks at each other and passing traffic, while also walking around the LRT tracks.

Once police arrived on scene, they managed to break up the group, with several fleeing the area. One youth was seen sitting with officers before being taken away in an ambulance.

The City of Kitchener issued a notice shortly before midnight that Victoria Park was temporarily closed. Police say that was to ensure public safety and disperse the crowds.

Waterloo Regional Police (WRPS) confirmed witness reports of members of the public and police officers being targeted by the delinquents.

Members of the OPP assisted getting the situation under control

Police charged three people

Three arrests were made in and around Victoria Park and downtown Kitchener.

A 14-year-old youth was charged with mischief. A 17-year-old male was charged with setting off fireworks into a large group of people. While being arrested, police seized three imitation firearms. He was also charged with mischief, three counts of possession for a dangerous purpose and carrying a concealed weapon.

An 18-year-old male was charged with mischief and causing a disturbance for setting off fireworks from a moving vehicle in a separate incident.

Signs were posted around Victoria Park in the days leading up to the long weekend advising that fireworks were prohibited. The city has since said that Victoria Park has reopened and that the mayor and city officials are “aware of the disturbing and dangerous behaviour that occurred last night.”

This is not the first incident involving fireworks and people. In July, a Waterloo councillor was struck by a firework after a drone show during Canada Day celebrations.

Following Monday’s antics, Kitchener Mayor, Berry Vrbanovic released a statement on behalf of city council expressing gratitude to City Bylaw, WRPS, Kitchener Fire and other first responders for their management of the, “unacceptable and dangerous events that occurred last night by this small group of rowdy young people who displayed little to no regard for their fellow community members and their safety.”

The statement mentioned there were 64 total complaints and three charges laid under the fireworks bylaw.

Anyone with information or video regarding the fireworks incidents in Victoria Park and downtown Kitchener is urged to contact the WRSP non-emergency line at 519-570-9777

Firework troubles in other cities

Cambridge also had its share of troubles Monday night, according to a statement from regional police.

“Officers were called to area of St. Andrews Street and Southwood Drive in Cambridge for reports of a robbery at a business. At approximately 9:30 p.m., three suspects attended a convenience store and stole fireworks. The suspects threw rocks and shot fireworks at several victims in the area while in the parking lot before fleeing. Minor injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.”

The municipality told CityNews that it received 26 complaints and four tickets were issued over the weekend. Cambridge also noted that security was patrolling 14 city parks.

In Waterloo, there were 12 total calls involving fireworks, but no charges were laid and no serious incidents were reported.