Man blinded in fireworks explosion facing felony charges
SEATTLE -- A White Center man partially blinded in a homemade fireworks explosion has now been charged with a felony crime.
John L. Pinney was hospitalized after the explosion in January, at his home in the 2400 block of SW 104th Street. According to court documents, Pinney admitted to police that he had been making fireworks. Pinney lost parts of three fingers, partial vision in one eye and also suffered serious cuts and burns.
Prosecutors accuse Pinney of mass-producing "M-80" and "M-1000"-style fireworks and have charged him with manufacturing explosives without a license. Pinney claims he was making the fireworks for personal use, to celebrate a Seahawks game, court documents said.