HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Harrisonburg Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, working with the Harrisonburg Police Department and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, has identified and brought into custody an individual who threw a mortar-style firework toward a crowd at a social gathering in September, seriously injuring an individual.

Grayson Smith from Rockingham County was arrested last Friday after turning himself in at the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail.

The 18-year-old Smith is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and malicious bodily injury by means of any caustic substance or agent or use of any explosive or
fire, both felonies. He is currently being held without bond after a hearing Wednesday was continued until January 9th in General District Court.

The incident happened at approximately midnight on Saturday night, September 23, in the 500 block of South Main Street. Security camera footage from the area showed a man throw a large illegal firework toward a gathering of people. The explosive detonated, seriously injuring one of the individuals. The victim was seen at Sentara RMH and then transported to the VCU Trauma Center in Richmond.

Working with several cooperating law enforcement agencies, the HFD Fire
Marshal’s Office was able to build a case around eyewitness statements and
forensic data, leading to the identification of the suspect and his eventual arrest.

“This was an unnecessary and avoidable incident that resulted in permanent injuries to the victim,” HFD Fire Chief Matthew Tobia said. “I am extremely proud of our investigative team whose commitment to solving this case has made our community
safer by taking a dangerous individual off our streets. HFD continues to extend its hope that the victim in this case will recover.”

Anyone with additional information about this incident can contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 540-432-7703. Anonymous tips related to this incident can be sent to Crime Solvers at 540-574-5050.