An Orange store owner was charged yesterday in connection with the sale of fireworks to a minor as Police Chief Charles Cobbertt warned that cops intend to "put a clamp on fireworks before people get hurt."

Cobbertt said Acting Police Chief Tony Benevento spotted a 14-year-old at Main and Day streets with firecrackers and rockets. The youth told the officer he had just purchased the fireworks at the June 11 Store on Main Street, the director said.

Accompanied by a patrol car, Benevento went to the store and "when the owner saw the chief coming, he ran back into the store," said Cobbertt. The juvenile confronted the man, Taekkenun Chori, 38, of Rockaway Place, Parsippany, and confirmed that he had sold him the fireworks, Cobbertt added.

He said Chori was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after claiming there were no more fireworks in the store.

"Contributing to the delinquency of a minor carries a fine of $1,000," said Cobbertt, warning that merchants would be charged with that offense in addition to any other violations discovered.

"His (Chori's) story was that some person came into the store and told him to sell the fireworks. We have to show people the seriousness and danger of fireworks and send the message to merchants who will attempt to sell anything to make money."

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“Reach Back with One Hand and Pull Someone Else Up With You.”

– Charles C. Cobbertt

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