CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – July 7, 2025
Chillicothe police are investigating an incident on July 5, 2025, where multiple vehicles were damaged by fireworks on S Brownell Street. The report, filed at approximately 10:47 p.m., details an ongoing investigation into the property damage caused by an errant firework explosion.
Officers responded to 42 S Brownell Street after reports of vehicles being hit by fireworks. Upon arrival, they spoke with residents who provided surveillance footage showing a large mortar-style firework exploding at ground level in the roadway. The video captured debris striking nearby parked cars, and a visual inspection revealed black scorch marks and firework remnants on the street. Several vehicles showed visible damage, including burns and chipped paint, consistent with firework impact, with details to be documented separately.
Residents expressed frustration, noting ongoing issues with the occupants of 34 S Brownell Street. Contact was made with the homeowner, Canita J. Stewart, who admitted her grandsons were lighting fireworks as part of a birthday celebration and had been given permission to do so in the roadway. The grandsons, aged 17 and 13, confessed to lighting the fireworks, claiming the explosion was unintentional after the mortar fell over before ignition. Officers confiscated the remaining fireworks as evidence and warned the juveniles of the consequences.
Canita J. Stewart was issued summons #12247 under Ordinance 1519.04 for allowing the minors to discharge fireworks. She signed the summons and was informed of her court appearance scheduled for July 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The mother of the juveniles was also notified of the incident.
