Community Corner

Downers Police Bust Underage Drinking Party With 60 Guests

Police arrived at the scene after a fight was reported. Here's the full account.

Two 19-year-old men were charged with underage possession of alcohol after Downers Grove police broke up a May 24 gathering with more than 60 guests, according to a report.

Police found about 40 young adults in the basement of a home on the 6800 block of Meadowcrest Drive.The other 20 guests were found in three other areas of the house. 

The guests, who ranged in age from 16 to 21, were not individually ticketed. Instead police charged 19-year-olds Michael J. Doody, who lives at the home, and Pierre L. Peterson Jr., of the 7700 block of Woodward Avenue in Woodridge.

Police first spoke to Doody and Peterson after they were dispatched at 11:10 p.m. May 24 to a report of a large fight in progress on the 6900 block of Meadowcrest Drive. While speaking with him, officers noted several dozen open and empty beer cans and alcoholic beverage bottles were strewn about the yard and deck. 

Doody told police some of his friends at his party started to argue so he had them leave. He admitted he had a party with people who were drinking, but initially told police that only he, Peterson and another friend were the only ones still at the house.

"Officers could hear several different voices coming from within the residence and there were several vehicles parked in the driveway and on the street in front of the house," the police report for this incident said.

Police received permission to enter Doody's home from another resident of the home who wasn't at the scene. A relative of Doody's arrived and let officers inside.

"When Officer Barczak and I entered the residence, I observed approximately forty young adults standing in the basement with an additional twenty people in the kitchen, front room and upstairs hallway," the report said.

Police found several dozen empty beer cans and alcoholic beverage bottles. When asked about the fight, some of the guests said there was a verbal altercation, but they did not know who was involved and why there were arguing.

Two officers had the juveniles call their parents and had them come to the scene. Those 18 and older were allowed to either call for a ride or take a portable breathalyzer test on scene to be considered permission to drive home.

Doody and Peterson were taken to the Downers Grove Police Department to be booked, processed and informed of their possession of alcohol by a minor charge. Doody was also charged with disorderly conduct-keeping a disorderly place. They were both released after each posting $120 bond and will receive court dates in the mail.

Police Blotter information is provided by local law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.


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