Suspect Arrested on Involuntary Manslaughter Allegations Following Fatal Fireworks Explosion on D Street
CHINO, CA — On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers from the Chino Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire located in the 5600 block of D Street.
Upon arrival, officers determined that an explosion had occurred, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals and causing a nearby vehicle to catch fire. Officers administered first aid at the scene to victims who had sustained injuries. A preliminary investigation by detectives indicates that the ignition of a large quantity of fireworks caused the explosion.
Three adult victims were transported to local hospitals with severe injuries. One of those victims, a female in her twenties, subsequently died from her injuries at the hospital. Her identity is currently being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin by the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner. The other two adult victims sustained serious injuries and are expected to survive; their identities are also being withheld. A fourth victim, a juvenile, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and has since been released to a parent or guardian.
During the initial response, 28-year-old Derion Tradon James Jr., a resident of Hesperia, was detained at the scene. He was later booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of violating California Penal Code section 192(b), involuntary manslaughter. The Chino Police Department will submit the case to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Multiple agencies are participating in the ongoing response and investigation. The Chino Police Department is managing the criminal investigation, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner is conducting the death investigation, and the Ontario Fire Department Bomb Squad is assisting with the explosives evaluation.
Investigators and fire personnel remain at the site to secure the area and assess any remaining fireworks, debris, or hazards. Several local roadways remain closed during the processing of the scene. Anyone possessing information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Gregory at (909) 334-3136.
