Officer injured by exploding fireworks in South Paterson

PATERSON — A police officer was injured by a explosion when Fourth of July revelers tossed high-powered fireworks under law enforcement vehicles on Main Street in South Paterson on Tuesday night, authorities said.

The unidentified officer suffered a minor hand injury when he exited his police vehicle as something exploded underneath it, Police Director Jerry Speziale said. Among the targets were Speziale and Deputy Chief Troy Oswald, the director said.

Speziale and Oswald were in unmarked vehicles but had their police lights flashing when someone threw explosives at them, the civilian police director said.

Speziale described the fireworks as “arterial,” the type normally shot off in the air that produce sparks, smoke and an explosion.

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“It could have caused a fire,” the director said.

More than 100 people were gathered near the corner of Main and Grove streets shortly after dark on the Fourth of July, Speziale said. Some of the revelers starting throwing fireworks under passing cars, which prompted a call to police, the director said.

When the rowdy crowd continued to cause trouble, authorities called for extra units until about 20 officers were in an area better known for its Middle Eastern restaurants and bakeries than for crime, police said.

The problem reached its peak at about 10:45 p.m. and the area was cleared before midnight, Speziale said.

The police director said the problems in South Paterson contrasted with other Independence Day celebrations in the city, like cook-outs and backyard gatherings, which were more peaceful.