Local News

Minors Drinking Alcohol Cited for MIP

Jun 04, 2014

Early Saturday morning, Omak Police responded to a report of several juveniles that were drinking alcohol. Seven juveniles were questioned. Six admitted to drinking alcohol and using marijuana. Breathalyzer tests confirmed that six juveniles who range in age from 14 – 17 years old had been drinking, but a minor doesn’t have to be physically in possession of alcohol to be charged with 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 charge a minor with Minor in Possession.

Five juveniles were charged with an MIP then released to their parents. One juvenile, who violated probation, was booked into juvenile detention for MIP. They face a loss of their driver’s licenses for up to a year, time in juvenile detention, and fines.

An investigation is on going to find out how the juveniles obtained the alcohol and the marijuana they consumed. Those found to be providing alcohol to a minor “Under 21” face $5000 in fines and up to a year in jail and providing marijuana to a minor “under 21” is a felony.

If you suspect someone is providing alcohol or marijuana to a minor please call 911.