Man who possessed fireworks suspended for two years

Kevin Ruiz, who possessed illegal firework materials that blew up his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Taylor’s house on Sept. 2, was given a two year suspension. 

During his trial on Friday, April 10, Ruiz was given two years of suspension under the condition that he won't  possess explosives or incendiary devices. If he breaks this condition, he can face up to two years in the Dartmouth House of Corrections. 

The prosecutor dropped the charges for secreting/throwing/launching/placing explosives and possessing explosives. The charge for disturbing the peace was dismissed by the request of the defendant. 

Ruiz pled guilty and was found guilty to the three counts of wanton destruction of property over $1,200. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 2 around 12:57 a.m., a number of firework components exploded for approximately 23 seconds inside the garage at 20 Sagamore Drive. Ruiz was smoking a cigarette near the fireworks, and ashes fell into gunpowder. 

The house was a total loss, and the fire damaged the house at 18 Sagamore Drive. 

During the investigation, police found fireworks literature and materials typically used to make fireworks such as string and a quick match fuse.