Local News

Juveniles Cited for Drinking in Civic League Park

Oct 30, 2013

Omak Police continue their enforcement of underage drinking laws. On Monday afternoon, three juveniles were cited for Minor in Possession when Omak Police Officers responded to an underage drinking call at Civic League Park.

One juvenile male required medical attention for alcohol poisoning before he could be booked intoOkanoganCountyjail and two other juveniles were detained, cited, and then released to their parents.

A minor doesn’t have to actually be in possession of alcohol to be cited for a Minor in Possession. If an Officer sees that a minor is exhibiting the signs of consuming alcohol like odor of alcohol on their breath, glossy eyes, slurred speech, and/or loss of balance they can and will cite a minor for MIP. The three juveniles now face a loss of their driver’s licenses for up to a year, time in juvenile detention, and fines.

The investigation is on-going into how these juveniles obtained the alcohol they consumed. Those found to be providing alcohol to a minor “Under 21” face $5000 in fines and up to a year in jail. A recent community survey shows that 9 out of 10 Omak area residents don’t approved of underage drinking, so if you suspect someone is providing alcohol to minors please call 911.