BUNNELL, Fla. – Deputies on Thursday arrested a 16-year-old boy suspected in the break-in at a Bunnell fireworks store that authorities say was linked to a fireworks mishap that injured two young children.
Detectives learned of the burglary at Big Nick's Boom Boom Sticks on County Road 13 in July while investigating how the children got hurt, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
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The boys, ages 7 and 8, were hurt July 9 when they set off the fireworks at Dr. Carver Park, the Sheriff's Office said. The explosion cost one of the boys his hand.
The pair said they found the fireworks lying around, but investigators concluded the explosives were taken during the break-in. Deputies said the fireworks' fuses were damaged in the act.
Detectives spoke with the 16-year-old and collected a DNA sample using a cheek swab. Deputies said his DNA was a highly likely match with blood found at the scene of the burglary.
The teen was booked into the Flagler County jail Thursday on charges of burglary, petit theft and criminal mischief and then released to his mother's custody.
The boy maimed in the mishap is getting help from the Shriners Hospital in Tampa after Sheriff Rick Staly reached out to the hospital and arranged for the boy to receive free care and transportation.