SYRACUSE - Indiana conservation officers, assisted by a Kosciusko County lake patrol officer, issued 27 citations to minors consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in a sting operation Saturday afternoon.
The undercover sting operation was set up at the sandbar on Lake Wawasee. The sandbar was described by police as "a popular spot to swim and socialize."
The sting came about after Indiana conservation officers received complaints about underage drinking and rowdy behavior.
Police also noted that the sandbar is known to be frequented by families with small children.
"We felt the timing and weather was right to get in and take some action," said First Sgt Mark Hines. "Irresponsible alcoholic consumption by anyone, especially minors, along with poor behavior at sandbars or social areas such as this one, leads to a number of problems that will be addressed."
As far as the rest of the summer, "This probably will not be the last sting our district officers take part in," said Hines.
The 27 persons given citations ranged in age from 18 to 20 years old. Twenty-six were ticketed and released to a responsible person and will appear in court to face the underage drinking charges.
Meghan Elizabeth Murphy, 19, New London, N.C., was arrested for false police reporting and possession/consumption of alcohol by a minor.
