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Police: Long Island Man Arrested For Trying To Sell Illegal Fireworks On Craigslist

ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A man has been arrested and charged with selling illegal fireworks on Long Island, police said.

Suffolk County police said they were looking for people selling fireworks in Bay Shore and Brentwood.

During their investigation, police said they discovered 44-year-old Kenneth Urquhart of Oakdale advertising them on Craigslist. Urquhart agreed to meet undercover officers at his home, where he lives with his wife and children.

Police said he had about $2,000 worth of fireworks.

Urquhart, who is unemployed, purchased them legally in Pennsylvania, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported. He then used a U-Haul to bring them to Long Island, where he allegedly sold them for twice their price.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini said Urquhart put his family's lives at risk.

"Fireworks are extremely dangerous," Sini said. "And obviously when you're dealing with fireworks, the possibility of explosions is a real risk."

Urquhart is charged with unlawful sale of fireworks, unlawful dealing with fireworks and endangering the welfare of a child. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Central Islip district court on Friday. 

Sini said the general saying when it comes to fireworks in New York state is "leave it to the professionals."

"We really want to get the message out to folks, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of fireworks but leave it to the professionals. Go to licensed fireworks shows and enjoy it with your family, but please don't put your life at risk, don't put other lives at risk," Sini said.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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