Illegal fireworks, cocaine, gun found in El Sereno home, police say

More than 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, a quarter-pound of cocaine and a stolen firearm were discovered in a Los Angeles home this week by police.

The items were found after police stopped Manuel Ortiz, 34, Tuesday night because his car windows were illegally tinted, said Sgt. Jerry Johnson of the Alhambra Police Department.

Officers found bullets inside Ortiz’s grey Chevrolet Camaro, Johnson said. He was also driving without a license, officials said.

Ortiz, who police say is known as “Slim,” was previously convicted of felony burglary in 1998, Johnson said. He was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition.

Detectives later searched an El Sereno residence they said Ortiz was associated with and found the firearm, cocaine and fireworks, Johnson said. The Alhambra Fire Department assisted in the removal of the illegal fireworks.

The seizure in El Sereno was one of two this week involving illegal fireworks in Los Angeles. Former NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas was arrested Thursday after the California Highway Patrol pulled him over in the San Fernando Valley and allegedly found illegal fireworks in his pickup truck. He posted bail and was released.

Ortiz has not been charged with any violations related to the El Sereno home, Johnson said. An investigation was ongoing

Ortiz was released Wednesday after posting bond. His next court date was set for July 29.

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