FORKS — An after-prom party turned into a legal hangover for 18 youths now under investigation for potential minor-in-possession-of-alcohol charges.
Clallam County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian King said a group of teens and young adults were having a drinking party inside an auto repair shop without the owner’s permission after the Forks High School prom, which was Saturday night.
The shop is on Sol Duc Way right outside the Forks city limits.
“Parents were called,” King said.
Several members of the group ran inside the building when sheriff’s deputies, Forks police and U.S. Forest Service law enforcement arrived at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, King said.
“We’re still actively investigating who provided the premises and the alcohol being consumed there,” King said.
Deputies obtained a search warrant and surrounded the building.
Twenty-one people were identified inside the business.
“The evidence suggests 18 were consuming alcohol in the premises,” King said.
“We’re going to be referring that amount to the prosecutor’s office for charging once we wrap up our investigation.”
Eight of the 18 are younger than 18, while 10 are younger than the legal drinking age of 21, King said.
Minor in possession is a gross misdemeanor. The penalty in most cases is a revoked driver’s license and a fine.
Prior criminal history will factor in “how it’s going to play out” for the youths, King said.