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Man threw firework 'for entertainment' at two sleeping under shelter, prosecutors say

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 10:01 GMT by The Cincinnati Enquirer
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A Cincinnati man faces charges after allegedly hurling fireworks at a homeless encampment for “entertainment” – a case that highlights growing tensions between city residents and the city’s growing homeless population

On a Friday night in early October, police responded to a disturbance in the neighborhood of downtown Cincinnati that quickly turned into a headline. The suspect, 54‑year‑old Michael “Mike” O’Connor, a local delivery driver with a history of petty theft, was arrested after he was seen on a feed from a neighborhood camera repeatedly tossing homemade fireworks into a cluster of tents that had been set up by homeless residents on the corner of Fifth and Eighth Streets. Authorities say the act was intended “for entertainment” – but it resulted in injuries and a fresh legal case that underscores how the city’s policies on fireworks, public safety, and homelessness are coming into conflict.

The Incident

At about 9:30 p.m. on October 1, police were called to a report of “excessive noise and suspicious activity” near the homeless encampment in the historic district. When officers arrived, they found a group of about 20–25 homeless people huddled in makeshift tents. The camera footage captured O’Connor – who was later identified by the city as a 2009 resident of the area – standing about 30 feet from the tents with a lit firework in hand. He repeatedly threw the devices in front of the tents, watching the sparks explode against the dark sky. The fireworks were homemade, containing a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur, and had no legal permits.

The firework explosions caused several of the encampment residents to suffer minor burns and smoke inhalation. Two people were taken to the hospital for first‑aid treatment, and the remaining group fled the area after a short time. An officer who was on duty that night, who asked to remain anonymous, said the entire incident was “completely reckless” and “disregards the obvious risk to people.”

Arrest and Charges

O’Connor was taken into custody immediately after the incident. He was charged with reckless endangerment, assault on a person in a public place, and unlawful possession of fireworks – a misdemeanor that can carry up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.02. He pleaded not guilty in a first appearance before a magistrate on October 3.

In a statement, the City of Cincinnati Police Department emphasized that the suspect’s actions violated the city’s public safety ordinances, which specifically ban the use of fireworks in residential neighborhoods without a permit. The department’s spokesperson, Deputy Police Chief Lisa Ramirez, said: “Our priority is to protect all citizens. Throwing fireworks in the middle of an encampment is not only illegal but also irresponsible.”

Context of Homelessness in Cincinnati

The incident is part of a larger narrative about Cincinnati’s rapidly growing homeless population, which has more than doubled since 2019 according to the Cincinnati City Council’s 2023 Homelessness Report. The encampment on Fifth and Eighth was part of a temporary shelter initiative that the city launched after the pandemic forced many people to the streets. While the city has built several “shelter‑in‑place” tents, advocates argue that these sites are still unsafe, especially when unregulated fireworks or other weapons are introduced.

A spokesperson for the nonprofit organization Cincinnati Housing for the Homeless, who spoke to the press after the incident, said the community had been “united and quiet for years, only to be suddenly disrupted by this reckless behavior.” The organization has been lobbying the city council for a dedicated, safer homeless encampment that includes fire safety protocols, but so far has received limited support.

Legal and Policy Implications

The case has raised questions about the adequacy of current laws governing fireworks in Cincinnati. While the state law bans unsupervised fireworks, the city’s ordinance adds stricter penalties for public display. This ordinance was enacted in 2022 after a series of fireworks incidents that injured residents and caused property damage.

A link within the article directed readers to a PDF of the city ordinance, which notes that “any person who possesses or uses fireworks in a manner that endangers life, property, or safety is subject to penalties.” The ordinance also allows the city to fine offenders and seize illegal fireworks. The ordinance’s enforcement section clarifies that police may detain suspects without a warrant if they witness the illegal activity.

The city’s legal counsel, who was quoted in the article, pointed out that O’Connor’s actions may fall under the “public nuisance” section of the code, which specifically mentions “the unlawful throwing of any device that may explode or cause harm.” In that case, the penalty can be up to a year in jail, with the possibility of additional charges for aggravated assault if the injuries were severe.

Reaction From the Community

Local residents expressed a mix of outrage and concern. An unnamed homeowner who lives in the historic district said: “It’s one thing to be worried about crime, but it’s another to have someone toss fireworks into a group of people who already feel unsafe on the streets. I hope the court takes a hard line.”

Homeless residents were also vocal. A man named James who had been living in the encampment since 2022 said that the incident was “shocking.” He added: “We were just trying to stay warm. Suddenly it’s fireworks. It feels like the city is watching us with fear.”

Police Chief Robert Mullen’s office, which was also linked in the article, has announced an “enhanced patrol schedule” in downtown neighborhoods and a new “community outreach program” aimed at educating residents about the dangers of unlicensed fireworks. He emphasized that the city is working closely with homeless advocacy groups to provide safe shelters.

Next Steps

The court is set to hold a preliminary hearing on October 10 to determine whether O’Connor will be held on bail. The city’s prosecutor, Amanda Jones, will argue for a more serious penalty given the potential for serious injury. O’Connor’s defense attorney, who was quoted in the article, said his client is “cooperative and remorseful” and has no prior criminal record.

The incident has prompted the City Council to convene a special meeting on November 4 to discuss a bill that would further restrict the sale of fireworks near homeless encampments and create an “off‑limit” zone around known shelters. The bill also proposes increased penalties for the possession of homemade fireworks.

Conclusion

The case of Michael O’Connor’s “entertaining” fireworks throw at a homeless encampment in Cincinnati has highlighted the intersection of public safety, the rights of the homeless, and the city’s regulatory framework. While the suspect faces serious charges, the incident serves as a stark reminder that the city’s homeless population remains vulnerable to violence and illegal acts in the name of “fun” or “attention.” The legal proceedings and policy debates that will follow could have lasting implications for how Cincinnati handles both its fireworks regulation and the growing needs of its homeless residents.