Police Bust Long Island Coffee Trucks for Selling Fireworks

BETHPAGE, N.Y. (AP) -- Some Long Islanders were ordering fireworks to go at the local coffee truck.

Nassau County detectives arrested James Rankin, of Wantagh, N.Y., on charges of possession of fireworks on Tuesday.

They said Rankin worked as a manager for King Caterers of Farmingdale, which provides food for the coffee trucks. The investigation revealed that the trucks also had printed order forms of fireworks for sale. No one answered a call at King Caterers.

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Investigators alleged that Rankin filled the orders for next day delivery. A police search of the catering firm in Farmingdale revealed illegal fireworks stashed in several coffee trucks.

The distribution ring led to Suffolk County, where three people were arrested Wednesday and more than $50,000 worth of fireworks were found in a Central Islip garage.