Long Beach Man Loses Thumb After Holding Firework
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — A drunken man lost his thumb Friday after the firecracker he was holding exploded in his hand, police reported.
The man, who police would not identify, had to have his thumb amputated and remained hospitalized Sunday.
His was one of dozens of incidents reported in Long Beach involving illegal fireworks. Officers say they issued 32 citations for illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. Police also confiscated 271 fireworks.
Dispatchers reportedly received 24 fewer fireworks-related calls, a 4.2 percent reduction, than last year, police reported.
Authorities also arrested 18 people for allegedly being drunk in public on the Fourth and three drivers were jailed for allegedly driving under the influence, according to police.
Officers issued 24 citations for illegal barbecues.
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