Community Corner

Update: State Police Make Underage Drinking Arrests in Durham

State Police say seven students face disciplinary action for drinking prior to Saturday night's semi-formal dance at Coginchaug High School, including two that were taken to a local hospital. Eight more teens were cited at an after-party.

Update: The following story has been corrected to indicate that seven teens face disciplinary action following an investigation into underage drinking at Coginchaug High School's semi-formal dance Saturday night. The students were not arrested, as previously reported. 

Police arrested eight teenagers for underage drinking on Saturday night in Durham and seven teens who showed up at a semi-formal dance at Coginchaug High School after drinking are facing disciplinary action by the school, according to state police.

Two of the students had to be taken by ambulance from the school to Middlesex Hospital, according to Sgt. Sal Calvo of Connecticut State Police, who said the incidents remain under investigation.

According to Calvo, Middlefield Resident State Trooper Eric Kelly was on special assignment at the high school dance last night when he noticed that one of the students walking in was "completely inebriated." Police identified six other students at the dance who had been drinking.

Kelly said Sunday the students were not arrested, as previously reported, but are facing disciplinary action by the school, including suspension.

In addition, police learned that an after-party was planned at Camp Farnham in Durham following the dance. When police went to the camp they found eight underage drinkers, according to Calvo.

The teens were charged with possession of alcohol by a minor. One of the teens was also charged with possession of marijuana, Calvo said.

No names were released because the suspects are all minors. All of the teens were released to their parents or guardians, according to Calvo.

Police are investigating how the teens came to be in possession of the alcohol. In recent years, Connecticut has adopted strict underage drinking laws including the social hosting provision which holds adults accountable if they purchase alcohol or have knowledge of underage drinking.

Calvo said parents or students who know underage drinking is occurring should call 911. Anyone with information on either of these two incidents may contact Trooper Eric Kelly at 860-349-9685. You can remain anonymous.


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