(TOWNSHIP OF PERTH EAST, ON) – During the early hours on Saturday June 11, 2016, officers of the Waterloo Regional Police Service and Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a disturbance at an address on Line 41 West of Road 103 (between New Hamburg and Shakespeare).
Investigation revealed that a large after prom party, from a Kitchener high school was being hosted at the rural residential address on Line 41. Assaults were reported to police and subsequent investigation resulted in criminal charges being laid on four Kitchener residents.
A 19-year-old male has been charged with “assault”, two counts of “theft under $5,000”, “resist peace officer”, and “fail to comply with sentence”.
A 17-year-old male has been charged with “assault”.
Two 18 year old males have been charged with “assault”.
All four males have been ordered to appear at the Stratford Court of Justice in July, where they will be answering to their charges.
The OPP has issued numerous warnings about parties where large number of underage teenagers will be in attendance. These gatherings often take place in bush lots, fields, barns, or in private residences. Many times they involve alcohol consumption by underage individuals and they often get out of control.
Parents are urged to discuss their teenagers risk when attending these types of parties. Beside the fact that the teens are under age, the consumption of liquor can result in greater risk to them than compared to adults. A lower tolerance to alcohol and inexperience increases vulnerability to assaults, falls, sexual assaults, drowning’s and drinking & driving. Excessive drinking can also lead to alcohol poisoning and even death.
If you’ll soon be attending or hosting a teen party, you need to know that the home owner is civilly liable if alcohol is being served to minors. The following safety tips may help you keep reasonable control of the situation. When you do it with intelligence and self-control, it can be safe without denying any of the fun a party should be.
1. No drinking or drugs: Everyone involved, including parents and teens, should receive a firm warning from the host that the party ends immediately at any hint of substance abuse. If you’re the parent or teen, state that you’ll be prepared to call other parents and/or police if it happens. Make it clear that the party hosts’ can be held civilly responsible for the actions of the attendees.
2. No impaired driving: The law also holds party hosts civilly responsible for any collisions and injuries involving impaired driving by a guest as a result of alcoholic beverages consumed at a party in their home. If you are the host, tell all invitees in advance of the very strict rules about drinking and driving.
3. Riding with an alcohol- or drug-impaired driver: When invited to the party, make sure you arrive and leave safely. If your driver indulges during the party, ask a sober driver or hire a cab to take you home. You may also take the responsibility to prevent the impaired teen from driving home alone or with others in the car.
4. Parties in restaurants and clubs: If you’re invited to a party in a hotel, restaurant or private club, check with your parents before you decide to attend. Often, when teens choose these locations, the intent is to be able to drink illegally without parental supervision.