A 10-year-old girl lost multiple fingers after a fireworks explosion at General Douglas MacArthur Park in Staten Island on Tuesday evening, leading to the arrest of a New York City Parks Department employee on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment.
The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. when the child found an M-80 firework inside a park bathroom. According to authorities, the girl approached a 24-year-old Parks Department worker, Joshua Moe, who was on duty at the time. Witnesses and investigators allege that Moe provided the child with a lighter, which she used to ignite the firework. The explosion caused catastrophic injuries to her left hand, prompting responding officers to apply a tourniquet before transporting her to Staten Island University Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.
Moe was arraigned in criminal court on Staten Island on Wednesday and was released under supervised release. The investigation remains ongoing, including efforts to determine how the firework entered the park.
NYC Parks Department Disciplinary Action
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation confirmed that its disciplinary unit is investigating the incident. A spokesperson stated that the department takes such matters "very seriously" and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Fireworks Regulations in New York City
M-80 fireworks are banned in New York City parks, and their possession or use is prohibited under local ordinances. Police have not yet determined how the firework entered the park bathroom.
Statements from Witnesses and Community Members
A local resident, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over the incident, stating, "She's hurt; she's confused. And although at 10, people say, 'oh, she should know better,' yes, she should know better, but kids are curious and you as an adult should know that sometimes you can't tend to curiosity." The resident emphasized the need for adults to exercise caution around children’s curiosity.
Moe’s Account
During his arrest, Moe reportedly told responding officers, "Yes, I gave her the lighter. I didn’t think this would have happened. She wanted the lighter to light a firework; I wanted to make them happy and have fun." His statements are part of the ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and assess evidence to determine the full circumstances of the incident. The case remains under active review by both the NYPD and the NYC Parks Department.