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WESTPORT, Conn. The owner of Coopers Auto Parts in Westport turned himself in on a warrant charging him with storing illegal fireworks and explosives at the shop, police said.
Easton resident Sanford Cooper, 64, was found in possession of illegal fireworks in May after Westport and state police searched the store, located at 1763 Post Road E.
The search came after a May fire destroyed Sanfords home. The fire set off illegal fireworks stored in the home. Sanford is facing criminal charges in that fire.
When police searched Coopers store, a large amount of fireworks were found in the rear storeroom, the police report said. The fireworks were examined by state police and found to be illegal, police said. They posed a serious threat to people and property, police said.
Cooper turned himself in on the Westport warrant Sunday afternoon. He was charged with illegal possession of fireworks, a misdemeanor; illegal possession of explosives, a felony; and illegal storage of explosives, a felony. He was released after posting $5,000 bond and is due in Norwalk Superior Court on Oct. 31.
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