Dangerous Fireworks

A warning from police tonight. When it comes to the Fourth of July, fireworks are a big part of many celebrations, but if you're tempted to buy homemade devices, you could be buying into a world of trouble. Investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero is On the Case.

WSVN -- This cardboard cat was stuffed with homemade fireworks by a couple of guys looking to blow off some steam.

Brian Gilbert: "We'll destroy the cat right in front of the U.S. post office."

Richard Ficarra: "All right." Brian Gilbert: "Hopefully the FBI will not arrest us."

The device detonated with such force it was heard a mile away. It shook the post office and brought BSO to the scene.

And they did get arrested. Brian Gilbert and cameraman Richard Ficarra had no idea the $30 homemade device bought from a guy on the street could get them in such trouble.

Leah Mayersohn: "They didn't realize that the firework they bought ended up being the equivalent of a half a stick of dynamite."

Attorney Leah Mayersohn says the lark almost landed the pair in prison.

Leah Mayersohn: "They were looking at charging one of my clients with an offense that would have carried a 25-year minimum mandatory sentence, and the other one was also looking at some serious charges."

Brian Gilbert: "I'm walking over there."

Richard Ficarra: "Sweet!"

The duo got lucky and were eventually allowed to plead to misdemeanor charges, but they aren't the only ones getting in trouble. Law enforcement officials across Florida say they are seeing an increase of dangerous homemade fireworks on the street.

Helicopter Pilot: "There's the guy in the suit again."

Authorities in Lake Worth evacuated this neighborhood after finding what they thought were pipe bombs while investigating a burglary. The bomb squad was called in. Again, it was homemade fireworks bought on the street.

Leah Mayersohn: "We were told that my client might face both criminal charges and, at a minimum, there were substantial investigative costs associated with the ac