By Moses Leos III
Despite the fireworks ban affecting Buda’s Coves of Cimarron neighborhood, Buda Blast Masters held a display on July 4th as planned. Buda Police officers along with Buda Fire Marshal Mike Duffey arrived immediately after it began. Officers then placed Brian Foley and two others in handcuffs.
Officers told Foley they received an anonymous call regarding a complaint about the fireworks show.
Foley said officers didn’t tell them why they were in custody until later. According to Foley, he was told the reason for being detained was for shooting off fireworks in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of Buda.
“I find it odd that they showed up as our fuses were lit. No one had time to complain,” Foley said. “I asked them if it was [City Manager Kenneth]Williams who told them. [The officer] didn’t respond.”
The actions of Buda police caused an uproar from onlookers, who converged on the police vehicles. Many pulled out smart phones to record the incident. Before long, onlookers voiced their displeasure, with chants of “let them go” erupting.
In an emailed response, Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd said officers were met with a “hostile crowd.” He said the three men were detained and “spoken to away from the crowds.”
Kidd said he would review all video footage, including officer body worn cameras, on Monday.
“Situations like this really put our officers in a difficult predicament,” Kidd said. “Regardless of how they may feel about the use of fireworks, they are expected to carry out and enforce city ordinances without prejudice.”
Police eventually released the three men and the BBM continued with the display.
But the city’s actions left a negative impression on revelers. Reveler John Aiken believed the police presence stems from a feud between Buda and fireworks salesman Chester Davis, who lives in the neighborhood.
“[American Fireworks] tried to go through everything the legal way,” Aiken said. “But the scoundrels in Buda changed the rules.”
For Foley, the fight to amend the fireworks ban ordinance now begins.
“We’re not here to cause trouble,” Foley said. “We just want to celebrate [July 4th].”
