On Friday May 3rd, 2013 at about 11:46 pm, the Ukiah Police Department responded to 418 Clara Street for a report of a loud party involving minors. Upon arrival, the Ukiah Police Officers saw at least sixteen subjects around a table in the backyard of the residence. It appeared the subjects were playing “beer pong” and consuming alcohol from beer containers. It also appeared that subjects were clearly under 21.
Through their investigation, the Officers at the scene discovered that numerous teenagers were under the age of 21, some as young as 15, and most were obviously intoxicated.
Along with the large group of teenagers, the UPD Officers located Katherine Peterson, (Age 39, from Ukiah) in the backyard. Peterson said that she was the owner of the residence, and that the party in the backyard was a celebration for her daughter’s eighteenth birthday.
Katherine Peterson, Age 39, from Ukiah, was arrested for Penal Code Section, 272 (a) (1) PC, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and booked at the County Jail.
A 16 year old male, who is on Probation, with a no alcohol term of his probation was also arrested, medically cleared for incarceration because of his intoxication, and booked into Juvenile Hall.
Ukiah Police Chief, Chris Dewey said, “The department is extremely concerned about under aged drinking and especially – teenager drinking and driving related events. While no one at this incident drove a vehicle, most of the teens at the party were well above the legal limit for driving while intoxicated.
Those who provide alcohol to minors are committing a crime, and can later be held responsible for a teen’s behavior while intoxicated. With graduation parties and summer approaching, it is important to remember that providing alcohol, or any drug, to teenagers is against the law. The consequences of teenage intoxication can be devastating – please help us keep kids sober and safe.”
Anyone who observed, or has information about this investigation is asked to contact the Ukiah Police Department Detective Bureau at (707) 463-6262. Further information about this incident can be obtained from Ukiah Police ChiefChris Deweyat (707) 463-6262.
By: Chief of Police – Chris Dewey