Shotgun Slug Starts Fire @ Fireworks Store

[Zappa]

This incident happened in September, they've only now set an arraignment date for the 75 year old guy.
How did this story elude us ???

Winchester man, 75, charged with firing gun, causing massive fire at local fireworks store

WINCHESTER -- A 75-year-old Winchester man faces seven charges, including four felonies, after state and local law enforcement officials said the wanton discharge of his shotgun set off a massive fire in September in a nearby fireworks store that caused up to $1 million in damages.

the probe confirmed that Champagne had shot off his 12-gauge slug-style shotgun and that the shell traveled through the exterior wall of nearby 156 Keene Road and went across Route 10 and into the Stateline Fireworks store, setting off the immediate ignition of fireworks stored inside.

Here's how I interpret this, the guy was fumbling with his shotgun inside his house, N/D's one though the wall, outside and across the highway, into the fireworks store, starting the fire.
I feel something is missing here, what's the probability a slug would start a fire ???
I'm pretty sure they're not red-hot in flight.

 

[mitch28]

Maybe the slug had a shiny nose..

 

[amm5061]

I'd love to know how a slug that penetrated two sets of exterior walls set off all the fireworks as well....

This smells of insurance fraud to me....

 

[BUMPA01603]

Or it's an insurance fraud stunt wherein the Fireworks store owner takes advantage of a misfire by torching his store?

 

[dingbat]

The only way I could see that happening is if the slug hit something with current in it and caused it to short and throw a spark or something like that.

 

[308rifleman]

This incident happened in September, they've only now set an arraignment date for the 75 year old guy.
How did this story elude us ???

Winchester man, 75, charged with firing gun, causing massive fire at local fireworks store





Here's how I interpret this, the guy was fumbling with his shotgun inside his house, N/D's one though the wall, outside and across the highway, into the fireworks store, starting the fire.
I feel something is missing here, what's the probability a slug would start a fire ???
I'm pretty sure they're not red-hot in flight.

It may have been a hardened steel sabot slug that he handloaded. Those things have phenomenal penetration and range. If a steel slug struck a metal object in the store, like a steel or aluminum wall stud, rack or display case, it could indeed have caused a series of sparks. Some of those exotic shotgun loads that are available through mail order have also been linked to fires.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

The only way I could see that happening is if the slug hit something with current in it and caused it to short and throw a spark or something like that.

That sounds like a good possibility. Jack.

 

[jimnasium]

 

[MAGA99]

I tried to set a gasoline-soaked shed full of old wood and old bales of hay ablaze with explosive shotgun shells. It didn’t work. I had direct hits and booms on gas soaked bales of hay. Still no go. Wish dragons breath was available locally. Had to use an aim-n-flame. She went up good.


This sounds real fishy.

How could one ND result in four felony charges??

 

[Rob Boudrie]

Consumer fireworks often contain a powder very similar to that in the exploding targets that are deflagrated by bullet impact. Ditto for tanerite (different powder composition though). It's not inconceivable that a gunshot into a case of fireworks could set them off.

 

[Climbnsink]

This requires testing. Anyone have a fireworks store they want to donate for science?

 

[babygorilla]

He probably struck some live wiring in the wall. Unlucky shot.

 

[Dennis in MA]

We here in Mass are safer for it. One less dangerous fireworks store gone. I, for one, am thankful for our jackbooted overlords.

 

[Thirwell1216]

He probably struck some live wiring in the wall. Unlucky shot.

Could have started something like this:


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPhgQpRFe5A

 

[wilson911]

More info in the affidavit filed today.....

Police: Winchester man started fireworks store blaze with stolen gun

 

[M1911]

I'd love to know how a slug that penetrated two sets of exterior walls set off all the fireworks as well....

This smells of insurance fraud to me....

A shotgun slug will easily penetrate multiple light construction walls. I don’t have any opinion on whether that could start a fire.

 

[KBCraig]

More info in the affidavit filed today.....

Police: Winchester man started fireworks store blaze with stolen gun

Still zero information on how a fired shotgun, slug or not, can ignite fireworks.

 

[Climbnsink]

Accidentally shooting a fireworks store and burning it down kind of funny. Stealing a guy's guns then burying them in the backyard when the cops come knocking not cool, not cool at all.

 

[SpaceCritter]

 

[Zappa]

Update:

Man charged in Winchester fireworks store fire now accused of stealing gun that started the fire, say court docs

 

[citoriguy]

How is this dolt free on personal recognizance?

 

[Cipher]

Bruh this was my go to fireworks store. Always would go to NH for the 4th (like any good Mass resident ).

 

[1919FAN]

Rob's right flash powder which is used in fireworks is an impact explosive way more sensitive than tannerite.