Fireworks shattered two windows at Des Moines' Central Library over Fourth of July weekend
Fireworks are likely what shattered two tall windows at downtown Des Moines' Central Library over Fourth of July weekend, according to the Des Moines Police Department.
"Other windows had burn residue indicating fireworks impacted them," said Des Moines Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek.
The damage was discovered July 5 by Central Library employees, according to Des Moines Public Library Director Sue Woody, who called the incident "very unfortunate."
The glass panes that were broken are part of a triple-glazed window that incorporates copper mesh to reduce glare. Each costs about $10,000 to replace.
"The good thing about triple pane windows is that there are still two panes left, so there are no security or safety issues involved," Woody said. "The city provides a budget for repair and maintenance of buildings, so we will be able to cover the expense without sacrificing other areas of our budget."
The Des Moines Police Department is investigating the incident. Parizek said the department is in the process of receiving and reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses.
In Des Moines, where the unlicensed use of fireworks is prohibited, police received 622 fireworks-related calls from July 1-4 this year, according to Parizek. No fireworks-related citations were issued.
"The fireworks citations are a challenge," Parizek said. "If we don't witness the act, we need a person willing to be a witness in court should the citation be challenged. Most calls come in anonymously, and because of the volume of high-priority crime reports, by the time we are able to respond to the fireworks call, the event is over."
Parizek said the department received 1,707 fireworks-related calls in 2021, 834 of which came between July 1-5. In 2020, there were 2,769 fireworks-related calls, 1,079 of which were made from July 1-5.
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"It's a monumental quality of life annoyance that causes some people, and pets, a significant amount of distress," Parizek said. "And we share their frustration."
Grace Altenhofen is a news reporter for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at galtenhofen@registermedia.com or on Twitter @gracealtenhofen.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Downtown Des Moines library windows shattered by fireworks
