An exploding firework injured two Auburn Police Officers behind the Muckleshoot Smoke Shop on the evening of July 4 as they monitored traffic overflowing from the discharge area of the Muckleshoot fireworks stands across Auburn Way South.

Auburn Police suspect the explosion may have been a deliberate act aimed at the officers, and they are looking for who did it.

According to Auburn Police Cmdr. Steve Stocker, at about 10 p.m., the two officers were behind the Smoke Shop grocery store, monitoring traffic when the firework went off right in front of them.

“One of the officers was stunned and blown backwards and momentarily lost his hearing. The other officer received several small burns on his body and uniform,” Stocker said.

A Bingo Hall Emergency Medical Technician and personnel from the Valley Regional Fire Authority were close by and immediately attended to the two injured officers, who were transported to Auburn Regional Medical Center, where they were treated and released.

The officers were among 25 the City had working fireworks emphasis on July 4, specifically in and around the stands.

As in years past, hundreds of people were in the area in and around the stands, buying fireworks and setting them off legally in the designated discharge area. The Bingo Hall and the Muckleshoot Smoke Shop at 2155 Auburn Way South are across the street from the stands. The parking lot area around these two businesses was busy with traffic as the lots were being used for overflow parking, but the discharge of fireworks was prohibited on those lots.

“We are happy to say that both officers were released back to full duty with no lasting injuries,” Stocker said. “The unfortunate part is that we believe that this large firework was intentionally discharged towards the officers, either from a moving vehicle or someone in the parking lot on foot.”

Auburn Police are asking for help identifying who may have thrown or fired the device toward the officers. If anyone has information about this incident, they should call the Auburn Police tip line at 253-288-7403, or 911.