Underage drinking party nets 38 arrests

VW County Sheriff’s Dept. news

A total of 38 people were arrested and charged in connection with an underage drinking party on Monmouth Road in Van Wert County.

Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach reported that 35 adults ranging from ages 18-20 and three juveniles will face charges ranging from operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI), underage consumption, obstructing official business, tampering with evidence, possession of drugs and furnishing a place for underage consumption.

The sheriff said his department received a call at 12:59 a.m. Saturday, June 29, reporting a drunk driver in the area of Ohio 49 and Monmouth Road. After locating and stopping the vehicle, deputies learned of a large party with underage drinking at a residence on Monmouth Road.

Deputies then contacted the owner of the residence, who was not home at the time of the party. The owner returned home and permitted deputies to enter the house. Deputies then discovered several people who were drinking underage.

Charges are pending in Van Wert Municipal Court and Van Wert County Juvenile Court. The sheriff’s department was assisted by troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.