By Kathryn Reed

Illegal fireworks are being blamed for the heavy police presence along Pioneer Trail for several hours on Sunday, which included a California Highway Patrol helicopter looking for what initially was thought to be people firing multiple gunshots

South Lake Tahoe police officers on March 18 at 11:09am were sent to Elva Court for a burglary alarm and then immediately were notified of gunshots being heard near Temple Bat Yam.

At first officers thought the two incidents might be related, but they turned out to be separate.

Footprints were seen leading from the Elva residence. Officers then made chase with a K-9 on the suspect, which included going through waist—high snow.

Dylan Petigrew, 42, of South Lake Tahoe was arrested on charges of resisting arrest, burglary, probation violation, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant.

What he may have taken off with still has to be determined. Officers said Petigrew did enter the home.

While officers were there, they also heard what was believed to be more gunfire. Pioneer Trail was shut down between Al Tahoe and Ski Run boulevards for several hours. Backup support came from El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service and South Lake Tahoe fire.

Officers were told a house on the corner of Pony Express and Pioneer trails should be investigated.

The vacation home rental was empty.

“Upon further inspection of the home where it was believed the gunshots were from were illegal fireworks,” Officer Matt Morrison told Lake Tahoe News. “Remnants of fireworks were left behind.”

As of 5:30pm officers were still trying to locate the renters.