WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. April 20, 2006: Ten days after the City of White Plains conducted a symposium on preventing teenage drinking, White Plains Police broke up an open air drinking party at a home in the Saxon Woods neighborhood last night, (Wednesday evening) hosted by a 17 year old in charge of the house,  whose parents, police said, were vacationing.

According to Martin Gleeson, Special Counsel, Office of the Commissioner, said “Around 9:20 PM (Wednesday night), police responded to a report of loud talking in the area (of Terra Mar Way). When they arrived they found a party going on with beer and other alcohol on the premises with as many as 30 individuals underage (under 21) involved. Many were drinking.”

Gleeson, reading from the police report, said about 20  individuals scattered into the surrounding neighborhood and woods, with 9 teens being detained. Police notified the parents of the 9 and released them in the custody of their parents.

The 17 year old resident of the premises was charged with a misdemeanor, Unlawful Dealing with a Child in the First Degree. Gleeson said police are waiting for his parents to return from vacation to question them.  Gleeson said the 17 year old  who was charged, hosted the party while his parents were vacationing.

Asked whether the teens involved were students of White Plains High School, Gleeson said that has not been determined, but noted WPHS has returned to classes this week, and indicated the students might be attending private schools in the city, some of which are on Easter vacation. “We are looking into  that,” Gleeson said, and that  “there would be effective followup with schools involved and parents.”

Asked if the police had any further statement on the incident, Gleeson said, “We continue to be concerned about it. Underaged drinking is very serious. “