NEW BEDFORD — Though legal in our neighboring states of Rhode Island and New Hampshire, fireworks remain illegal in Massachusetts. A New Bedford man learned that the hard way over the weekend after he was apparently caught by surprise by police officers.

New Bedford Police say patrol officers were in the 100-block of Ashley Boulevard Sunday night at around 11 p.m. when they saw a man firing a roman candle firework. A projectile from the firework struck a residence and another projectile nearly struck a passing car.

Police arrested the man, Robert William Aponte-Flores, 20, of 98 Austin Street, Apt. 3, New Bedford, who was also found in possession of a knife with a blade larger than allowed by city ordinance.

Aponte-Flores is charged with unlawful possession of fireworks, carrying a weapon, and disorderly conduct.

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