Five teens facing alcohol related charges after traffic stop

Five teens are facing alcohol charges after an Indiana State Police trooper stopped the van they were traveling in for going 110 mph Friday night, according to Indiana State Police.

An Indiana State Police trooper witnessed a 2001 Dodge Caravan traveling southbound on US 31 at 110 mph in a 60 mph zone Friday evening just before midnight, according to reports.

While troopers attempted to catch up to the van, the occupants threw alcoholic beverages out of the van's windows, according to ISP.
The van was stopped near Fulton County Road 300 south.

When troopers spoke with the 17-year-old driver, they smelled alcohol and said they saw multiple cases of beer and a jug of whiskey, according to ISP reports.

The driver, 17, was operating on a learner's permit and had consumed alcohol, according to police.

There were three 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old in the van as well and they had all consumed alcohol, police said.

“Alcohol, high speed, and teenagers is an all too often deadly combination, “stated Trooper Ben Reason in a press release. “I am glad we stopped these kids before they injured or killed themselves or someone else.”

The driver faces charges for reckless driving, a person under 21 operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level between .02 and .08, minor consumption of alcohol, littering, learners permit violation, speeding, and unlawful possession of tobacco.

The two 16 year-old boys face charges for minor consumption of alcohol and unlawful possession of tobacco.

The 16 and 17-year-old girls face minor consumption of alcohol charges.

All five were released into the custody of a relative of one the teens. The troopers initially had trouble contacting the teen’s parents because the parents do not use telephones due to practicing the Amish religion.