At approximately 8:15 p.m. on April 6, 2026, the Yonkers Police Department responded to reports of fireworks being discharged in the vicinity of Bregano Park. Upon arrival, responding officers conducted a canvass of the area; however, no individuals were located within the park, and no active fireworks were observed at that time.
On the morning of April 7, 2026, a heavily damaged portable toilet was discovered within Bregano Park. Due to the proximity in time and location, investigators determined that the reported fireworks activity and the property damage were related. At that time, the Yonkers Police Department Intelligence Unit took the lead in the investigation alongside our partners with the Westchester County Police Hazardous Devices Unit and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Investigators determined that a local teenager had been constructing homemade explosive devices consistent with the one used in the April 6th, 2026 incident. The above agencies responded to the suspect’s home and placed him into custody without incident. A search of the residence led to the recovery of materials used to manufacture explosives. The teen admitted to constructing the device used in the incident and to being responsible for several other explosions in the area over the last several weeks.
All appropriate safety precautions were taken, and all areas the suspect had access to were thoroughly searched. Investigators have determined that the suspect does not have access to other devices or explosive materials.
“Improvised explosive devices pose a significant danger to the public, regardless of who constructs them or their intent,” said Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our Intelligence Unit and our federal and county partners, this situation was quickly identified and safely resolved. We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and aware of potentially dangerous behavior, and to report concerns before they escalate into something far more serious.”
Due to restrictions by New York State Law prohibiting the identification of minors charged with a crime, he can only be identified as a 14-year-old male resident of Yonkers. No further information will be released regarding this suspect’s identity. The suspect was booked by the Yonkers Police Department Youth Division for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree and Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree. His case will be adjudicated by Westchester County Family Court, as required by law for offenders of these crimes who are minors.
The Yonkers Police Department urges the community to report suspicious incidents or activity to our anonymous tipline by texting the keyword ‘YPD’ followed by your tip to 274637.
