Crime Scene tape.
Photo by Dean Moses
An NYC Parks Department employee has been arrested after he allegedly handed a firework to a young girl that exploded, dismembering her hand in Staten Island on Tuesday evening.
According to police sources, the incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on Aug. 11 inside General Douglas MacArthur Park, near the corner of Jefferson and Dongan Hills Avenues in Dongan Hills.
A 10-year-old girl reportedly found a firework inside the green space and asked the Parks worker to ignite it.
Police say 24-year-old Joshua Moe allegedly lit the pyrotechnic and handed it to the child when, moments later, it exploded. The girl was rushed to Staten Island University Hospital, where she was treated for injuries to her hand.
Sources say the blast left the youngster’s hand dismembered. Despite the severe injuries, she was listed in stable condition.
Following an investigation, officers from the 122nd Precinct took Moe into custody and charged him with endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
amNewYork reached out to the Parks Department for comment, and is awaiting a response.