Illegal Fireworks and Firearm Arrest in Vista
July 8, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on July 3, 2025, the Sheriff's Bomb Arson Unit alerted Vista Area Detectives to an individual allegedly selling illegal fireworks in Vista. Working collaboratively, the units organized an operation to apprehend the suspect.
The following day, July 4, 2025, at approximately 2:30 P.M., deputies initiated a traffic stop near the 2100 block of University Drive in Vista, contacting Isaac Mandujano (23). Mandujano had arranged to sell fireworks to undercover detectives, a violation of California Health and Safety Code section 12671.
During the stop, deputies discovered Mandujano was armed with a loaded 9mm Glock 17 handgun and an additional loaded magazine. Mandujano did not possess a permit to carry a concealed weapon and was arrested for violating Penal Code section 25400(A)(3) – carrying a concealed firearm in public.
A search incident to the arrest revealed multiple dangerous fireworks on the passenger seat of his vehicle. Deputies also located a container of marijuana, a water bong, and brass knuckles inside the vehicle. In a post-Miranda statement, Mandujano admitted to being under the influence.
Mandujano faces additional charges, including violations of Health and Safety Code section 11550 (E) (under the influence of a controlled substance while armed), Penal Code section 25850(A) (carrying a loaded firearm in public), Penal Code section 21810 (possession of brass knuckles), and Health and Safety Code section 12677 (selling dangerous fireworks). After a blood chemical sample was obtained, Mandujano was booked into the Vista Detention Facility.
Illegal Fireworks Possession at Elementary School
Later on July 4, 2025, at approximately 11:07 P.M., deputies were conducting extra patrol at Foothill Oak Elementary School, located in the 1300 block of Oak Drive in Vista. They contacted Ethan Gentzsch (43) in the parking lot as he was cleaning up a large amount of illegal mortar-style fireworks.
Gentzsch was detained, and deputies found he had 22 pounds of unfired fireworks remaining. Gentzsch admitted to not having a permit for the fireworks and was arrested for Health and Safety Code section 12671 – selling, using, or possessing unclassed fireworks (misdemeanor). Gentzsch was released at the scene with a citation, and the illicit fireworks were collected as contraband.
Source & photos: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
