February 10, 2005 Update

On the night of 2/4, a Parent on Erickson Street hosted a party for her teenaged daughters birthday. Officers responded to complaint of the loud party, and upon their arrival, approximately 20-30 youths who had been standing in the driveway ran off in all directions. Officers could see youths that appeared to be under 21 carrying cans of beer in the basement. Discarded plastic cups in back of the house smelled like beer, as well.

The 44-year-old female homeowner answered the door, explained it was her daughters birthday party and claimed she had checked everyone as they entered to insure they had no alcohol. She denied there were any minors drinking at her residence, but she refused officers entry when asked, telling them to get a search warrant.

As that process was begun, the garage door opened and approximately 30-40 youths began exiting, attempting to flee. Most were rounded up and held in the driveway. Several admitted drinking. At least 3 youths advised officers alcohol was present in the house and that the homeowner knew about it, but took no action to prevent anyone from drinking.

Breath tests were administered and those that had been drinking were cited. While this was going on, several more youths attempted to escape through upstairs windows, however they retreated inside when they observed officers outside.

The homeowner eventually came out with a garbage bag full of empty beer cans, which she admitted just cleaning up from inside her house. She then consented to allow officers entry. Approximately 20 more youths were inside pretending to be asleep in beds upstairs, or hiding in closets around the house. Several of the youths admitted to drinking beer or shots. More breath tests were given and those that had been drinking were cited. A total of 14 teens were cited or referred to juvenile court, depending on their ages.

The homeowner was issued citations for Contributing to the Delinquency of Minors and Furnishing a Location for Illegal Purposes, a crime punishable by 30 days in jail.

Parents who host, Lose the most

If the owner, tenant or person in control of the property allows under age drinking or drug use or has knowledge of it and does not call the Police, they are guilty of a misdemeanor. A second or subsequent offense becomes a 90-day misdemeanor. Allowing these types of parties can also lead to charges of Contributing to the Delinquencies of a minor and child neglect.

We have had too many traffic deaths occur that have been related to parents allowing under aged persons to consume alcohol. This is clearly not a wise choice. The criminal liability for this type of crime can be 2nd degree murder charges. The civil liability can be just as severe.

This is a violation that the Troy Police Department and the Oakland County Prosecutors Office takes very seriously and will prosecute to the maximum extent. Instead of allowing under aged drinking, parents should be encouraging a safe and sober, healthy life style for their children and the young people of our community as a whole.

If you have any information on any of the cases cited please contact the Troy Police Department.