Launching fireworks from a moving vehicle on Interstate 95 is already a bad idea. Trying to convince deputies it was not your vehicle after the entire thing was recorded from the air probably does not improve the situation.
That is what unfolded during a Fourth of July traffic stop captured in video released by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said someone inside a vehicle traveling on I-95 had been launching fireworks from the passenger-side window.
The fireworks reportedly bounced along the highway, landing in the median and active traffic lanes as other vehicles passed. Fortunately for deputies, an SJSO helicopter was already overhead and had a clear view of what was happening below.
While the alleged conduct itself was dangerous, the occupants’ reaction after deputies stopped them quickly became the most memorable part of the video. They denied any involvement before learning that the flashing light above them had been following their vehicle for miles.
Occupants Had “Not a Clue” How Deputies Found Them
We reposted the video to the Guessing Headlights YouTube channel, where we condensed the content for easier viewing.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on July 4, 2026, while its Air Unit was conducting a patrol flight. The helicopter crew spotted fireworks being launched from the passenger side of a vehicle traveling south on Interstate 95 and directed patrol deputies to its location.
When deputies made contact, the occupants denied having anything to do with the fireworks. “No, man. No, not us. Not this car. No, sir,” one of them responded. The deputy calmly explained that the incident had already been captured on camera. When he asked whether they knew how their vehicle had been identified, the occupants admitted they had “not a clue.”
That was when the deputy pointed toward a flashing light in the sky. “You guys see that little flashy dot up there?” he asked. One of the occupants replied, “It’s a drone.” He was quickly corrected by the deputy, who said, “No, that’s a helicopter that’s been following you for the past 10 miles.”
With the mystery solved, the deputy gave the occupants another opportunity to reconsider their denial. “Shoot stuff out the car. You’re going to stick with that story? Let’s be real. It’s on recording,” he said.
According to SJSO, investigators determined the fireworks had been launched from the passenger side of the vehicle. The passenger was arrested and charged with Shooting a Deadly Missile from a Moving Vehicle. The sheriff’s office did not publicly identify either occupant or release a booking photo. Both faces were blurred in the video shared by the agency.
Why the Charge Sounds More Dramatic Than It Is
The charge may sound unusual, but it is an established offense under Florida law. Despite the wording, the term “deadly missile” does not refer exclusively to rockets or military weapons.
Florida law uses the term more broadly for objects projected in a way that could cause death or serious bodily harm. Depending on the circumstances, that can include fireworks, rocks, bricks, and other dangerous objects.
In this case, deputies said the fireworks landed in traffic lanes and the median while other vehicles were passing. Even if a firework did not directly strike a vehicle, the sudden flash, explosion, or debris could distract a driver and trigger a serious crash.
The Helicopter Reveal Stole the Show
Many viewers agreed that launching fireworks near moving traffic was dangerous, but the comments quickly focused on the deputy’s matter-of-fact helicopter reveal. One commenter joked that the occupants’ “bright idea” had backfired, while others were surprised by the seriousness of the charge.
Several viewers under the original post also pointed out that someone could have been badly hurt if a firework struck a vehicle or caused a driver to swerve. Others argued that the driver should have faced consequences as well, although SJSO only announced the passenger’s arrest.
The video also highlights how law enforcement aircraft can track vehicles and document incidents without the people below realizing they are being watched. In this case, the occupants went from insisting, “Not us. Not this car,” to learning that a helicopter had been following them for roughly 10 miles.
Every person charged is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.