Large firework explosion damages East Bay home where racially charged outburst captured on video

ANTIOCH — A large firework exploded Tuesday at a residence that appears to be tied to two racially explosive videos that show a man ranting at a neighbor with an outburst of racial epithets.

In a statement Monday night, police responded to a residence in the Lake Alhambra area of the city after they said somebody threw what was believed to be a large firework at the home. Police said nobody was injured but that there was some damage to the property.

The 33-year-old man at the center of the videos lives in the home with his mother, police said.

“Investigators are examining whether (Monday’s) incident is connected to the recent social media attention surrounding the (earlier) incidents,” police said in their statement. “While APD recognizes the strong public reaction, retaliation and vigilante acts are not an acceptable substitute for the criminal justice process. The (earlier) matters were investigated by APD and are being addressed through the appropriate legal processes.”

Both of the earlier incidents happened in July, with the second of the two coming to police attention over the weekend. The second video, which circulated on social media, shows a man hurling insults and racial epithets including the “N” word several times. Police acknowledged the video in a social media post and said they are investigating.

They did not post the video.

The same man already was the center of an earlier investigation for what Antioch police spokesperson Lt. Bill Whitaker said “was very much along the same lines” as the video currently circulating.

Police said the second of the two incidents “was addressed through the courts and resulted in a restraining order.”

Court records show that Contra Costa County prosecutors also filed misdemeanor charges of battery and interfering with a person’s civil rights for the July 27 rant, the first of the two.

It is not clear who uploaded the more recent video to social media. Whitaker said police became aware of it after they were inundated by messages and calls from people who viewed the video.

“Clearly, it appears he has rage and anger issues,” Whitaker said.

Police said they and the Walnut Creek Bomb Squad investigated the explosion and were reviewing surveillance video from the surrounding area. They said they have not identified a suspect.

According to police, somebody posted the address of the residence during the social media fury.

“He has an elderly mom, and she’s getting harassed,” Whitaker said. “She called us (Monday) morning and said he’s an adult living there, that she doesn’t agree with what he says and that she’s concerned about it.”

Police in their statement did not provide the specifics of where the incident happened to prevent vigilante justice.

“Members of the public who have information or evidence are encouraged to provide it to law enforcement rather than take matters into their own hands,” police said in their statement. “Harassment, threats, trespassing, property damage, or acts of violence directed at any person or residence may constitute separate criminal offenses and will be investigated accordingly.”

Police asked those who may have information on Monday’s fireworks explosion to call 925-779-6926 and reference Case No. 26-7784. Those who call may remain anonymous.