Dozens of Va. Teens Face Underage Alcohol Charges

Arlington County police charged 43 teenagers with underage possession and consumption of alcohol Saturday night after they breaking up a large party.

Police said they got a 911 call about 9:30 pm about a loud party in the 3500 Block of N. Nottingham Street. When the first patrol car arrived, one officer went to the backyard and saw teens start to flee.

"He witnesses these people jumping over the fence while getting full bottles and cans of beer thrown in his direction," said Arlington police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. "He used his arm to shield his face to prevent from being hit."

But the officer located the 17-year-old daughter of the homeowners in the backyard. Neighbors said her parents were out of town.

Many of the teenagers were belligerent and uncooperative with police, cursing at them as they tried to ask questions, police said. Parents were called to pick up the 43 teenagers who were issued summons. Most of the students charged attend Yorktown High School. 

"There were a lot of unhappy parents," said Sternbeck.

Sixteen other teens were not charged after voluntary breath tests showed they had not been drinking.

The arrests come during the same week Arlington School officials will send a letter to parents urging them to talk to their children about the dangers of underage drinking as prom and graduation events approach.

School superintendent Pat Murphy issued a statement about the weekend incident, which reads:

"We were disheartened to learn about the events last Saturday. We are committed to continuing to collaborate with our community partners, such as Arlington's READY Coalition, to provide a strong network of support for parents and families that will help our students make good choices in school and in life for their health and well-being."

There is no word yet on whether the students charged with underage drinking will also face school penalties.