Fireworks seized before showtime

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Several hundred pounds of fireworks were seized from a Buffalo home Saturday morning.

Investigators say it is the biggest seizure in Erie County in years, and it happened here on Manitoba Street in the Clinton Bailey area of Buffalo.

It all started with a tip call.

"We set up surveillance and we verified through surveillance that there was indeed fireworks in the building," said Lt. Sal Colangelo of the Buffalo Fire Department.

Around $6,000 worth of fireworks.

Investigators say it's a pretty sophisticated operation, with plenty of commercial grade pyrotechnics.

The garage is owned by Al Steel, who is ironically a demolition contractor, often hired by the city to demolish vacant or charred homes following fires.

He has not been charged with anything yet, but is facing fireworks possession charges.

"This is the kind of fireworks that you would see at a display," said Colangelo.

"I'm assuming that it came from PA or Ohio," said Daniel Walczack, of Erie County Sheriff's Department's bomb squad.

Fire investigators say that it's not the first time fireworks may have been stored in this garage, they say the homeowner had a 4th of July party every year and set off fireworks for the entire neighborhood.

Walczak said, "From the intelligence that we've received, this is a display that's been going on for years."

It's the second bust this weekend. 400 Pounds of Fireworks, plus marijuana plants were seized from the Town of Tonawanda home of 50-year-old Leon Sapp, he sold fireworks out of his car in the city's west side.

Last year, four families were left homeless on Vermont Street, when a 6 year old was playing in a bedroom with fireworks allegedly purchased from Leon Sapp, who is again behind bars.

Meanwhile, fire investigators say considering the size of this fireworks bust, federal charges are possible.