MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A 16-year-old is facing charges for allegedly throwing fireworks at people at Sterlingfest on Friday.
The teen is accused of throwing mortar fireworks at two groups of people on July 25, 2025.
The first time, fireworks were thrown in the Sterlingfest carnival area, where a Sterling Heights police officer’s arm was burned and cut, and his K9 was noticeably affected by the noise.
The second time, fireworks were thrown near the BP gas station into a group of people leaving the event.
“Just mass chaos, everyone was running because they didn’t know if it was an explosive, gunshots, or if it was a firework going off,” said Capt. Mario Bastianelli with the Sterling Heights Police Department.
Investigators used surveillance video and special high-tech cameras that were set up at the festival to identify the suspect and arrest him.
“Whether they thought they were being funny or they were doing it to actually terrorize people, I don’t know their intent, but the fact of the matter is they are in custody and they are looking at serious charges,” Bastianelli said.
The teen faces the following charges:
- Explosives – Placing Near Property Causing Physical Injury, a 25-year felony
- Explosives – Possession with Intent to Terrorize, a 10-year felony
- Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing Causing Injury, a 4-year felony
The 16-year-old is currently at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center and is expected to appear in court on Aug. 6 for a pretrial hearing.
“At a community event meant to bring people together, a juvenile allegedly threw mortar fireworks, creating an extremely dangerous situation. We’re taking this matter seriously and will pursue appropriate action,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.