Westport Business Owner Charged with Possessing Explosives

The Westport Police Department was asked in May to assist State police in an investigation into the possession of illegal fireworks by the owner of Cooper's Auto Parts, according to a police report.

After obtaining a search warrant, police searched the business and found a large amount of fireworks in the rear storeroom. State police examined the fireworks and determined that they were illegal and posed a serious incendiary danger to surrounding people and property, according to the police report.

Sanford Cooper, 64, of Easton, turned himself in to the Westport Police Department Sunday afternoon on an active arrest warrant. He was charged with illegal possession of explosives, sale/use/possession of fireworks, and storing/transporting/using explosives and blasting agents, police said.

He was released after posting a $5,000 cash bond. He is due in Norwalk Superior Court on October 31.

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