FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — Authorities have arrested 24-year-old Davina Cruz in connection with the theft of nearly $40,000 worth of fireworks from Bullard High School’s fireworks stand.
Cruz was taken into custody Thursday night following a multi-day investigation by local law enforcement. She faces multiple charges, including burglary. Her bail was set at $10,000, and she has since been released after posting bond.
While members of the Runnin’ Knights Booster Club were relieved by the arrest, they confirmed that not all the stolen inventory has been recovered. As a result, the Bullard High Boys’ Basketball Team continues to struggle with their Fourth of July fundraising goal.
“We are still in the hole,” said Varsity Assistant Coach Travis Johnson. “We don’t have insurance through Phantom [Fireworks].”
The theft occurred just one day after the stand opened earlier this week. Nearly half of the fireworks were stolen in the incident. Although Fresno Police were able to recover some of the product, it is not enough for the team to break even this year.
In a typical season, the fireworks fundraiser generates around $30,000 to support team travel and equipment. But now, the team is just hoping to avoid taking a loss.
“It’s not really the adults taking the hit. It’s our kids,” Johnson emphasized.
Since the theft, the team has increased security by parking cars in front of the stand overnight. “We’re not leaving. We’re going to be here next year and the year after that, because this is critical for our kids and our community,” Johnson said.
Customer Tony Jaglassian expressed disbelief. “It’s unfortunate. It’s such a nice area.”
Despite the setback, Johnson says the experience has taught the team resilience. “It’s easy to step away, but we show up.”
The stand, located at Marks and Herndon avenues, will remain open all night Friday, July 4, as the team makes a final push to sell the remaining inventory.
