Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 79 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
House, field party busts nab 24
Warrants to be issued for 10 who fled party
Published Monday, February 9, 2009
Teen alcohol and drug use are on the rise in Covington County, and the arrests made this weekend prove it, said Lt. Lance Price with the Alabama Beverage Control Board Monday.
On Friday, agents targeted minors in consumption of alcoholic beverages and those furnishing those beverages in two locations in Coving-ton County and two in Butler County, Price said.
“While on our way back from Butler County, we received a call from Command of a house party complaint near Opp on Frank Tisdale Road,” he said. “Once we arrived, we found eight individuals – two of which were juveniles – consuming alcohol and smoking marijuana in the garage area next to the house.”
Price said the oldest person there – 29-year-old Nicky Lyon – faces two counts of contributing to a minor, four counts of furnishing a controlled substance, as well as other counts for the incident. Lyon was being held in the county jail under a $335,000 bond.
“The incident in itself was fairly unusual, because of the blatant disrespect for the law,” he said. “The 29-year-old is believed to be a registered sex offender and with three females present at the time, it wasn’t a good situation.”
The arrests continued Saturday after agents received a tip from a concerned citizen/parent about a suspected “field party” being held in Onycha, Price said.
“The tip was it was a birthday party and kids from Opp, Andalusia, Straughn, all the surrounding communities were coming,” he said. “We did some surveillance of where we thought the location was going to be. We had two agents in the woods for several hours watching the situation so that we could establish probable cause.”
Price said the agents were close enough to overhear conversations about using marijuana.
“They saw several individuals smoking what (agents) believed to be marijuana cigarettes and overheard them talking about marijuana,” he said. “We were that close to them.”
Price said as the crowd grew larger, agents moved in to diffuse the situation.
“That’s when several individuals ran into the woods; a few came back on their own and we caught a few in the woods and at home,” he said. “And even a few were brought back to us.”
What made this situation unique was not that individuals ran from agents, but the fact that a loaded handgun was found inside one of the vehicles at the scene.
“It even had the serial number filed off,” he said. “We also found alcoholic beverages and marijuana in several vehicles. This situation could have very well ended up like the one in Prattville where a young man lost his life at a field party. It could easily happen when you mix alcohol, drugs and firearms.”
Price said two agents were hurt and a Sheriff’s Office vehicle wrecked during the incident.
“We had 16 arrested and about 10 that got a way,” he said. “And we have the names of those who fled and warrants will be obtained. So, it’s best to just turn yourself in.”
Price said he hoped news of the night’s activities would shed more light on what his agency believes is a prevalent problem in the county.
“Alcohol and drug use by our teens is a problem in the community,” he said. “These arrests, two nights in a row, prove it. Until parents and the public believe ‘having a beer’ is not just a kid being a kid.
“It’s against the law,” he said. “And parents need to put their foot down. Until they do, it won’t go away. We would rather have a parent come and pick up their child at the scene than have to come down and pick them out at the morgue.”
Price said approximately 50 people were arrested and more are pending from the 115 cases worked this weekend, thanks partly to the assistance from the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Opp Police Department and the Alabama State Troopers.
Comments
Posted by weasel (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While I truly believe COVINGTON COUNTY has a problem with the underage out "partying" and too much alcohol and drugs involved it also comes back to being alot of COVINGTON COUNTY'S fault. I myself have 2 teenage boys, 18 and 19, that are really good kids and yes they too will have a beer on the weekends sometimes. I'm no different than these parents, I too have had to retrieve my son from the results of these party's.
I remember being young and know the things I did and very lucky to be alive from some of the stunts I pulled because I was trying to hide my "partying" from my parents, so therefore I've always asked my kids to be honest and not hide what they do from me because I know the dangers. However, they do not hide most of what they do from me but on the other hand the are hiding from the ABC, instead of being in my supervision, and yes they are teenagers so I'm not dumb enough to think, Oh my kids would not, because I know they are what they are- kids, teenagers, young adults that have absolutely NOTHING and I do mean NOTHING to do in this county. All this money the county has been throwing away and the money received from the arrest of these kids, especially the money from the arrest of these kids, should be put back in to the county for the kids!! Invest in something the young people of COVINGTON COUNTY would be interested in doing besides "partying". They can't gather in town like we used to do, they can't gather at someone's house in fear of the Great Lt Price because someone may have a beer and then they would ALL go to jail.
Someone needs to find something!!
I'm not finished I could go on for hours, but got to get ready for work : (
Posted by Mr_Logic (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is it best to turn themselves in rather than have you do your work?
Is it best for them to volunteer to have a criminal record that would cause them to lose vocational opportunities for the rest of their lives?
Sounds like you don't know them all, or can't build a case against them. How does it help them to fess up?
Why lie to the kids?
Posted by mbishop (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You're absolutely right Weasel. There is absolutely nothing to do here for teenagers and being one it's hard not to want to go somewhere where you can have a little fun. The ABC board here raids party's that dont have alcohol just to have something to do. Maybe if this county and the city did more for teenagers they wouldn't have to worry so much bout teenages having field partys. You can't hardly just meet up and hang out anywhere because the cops run you off. Too many people blame teenagers for all the problems in our county and city and absolutely refuse to give us something to do. Andalusia will never grow if you have teenagers wanting to get out and not come back. And this ABC agent is lying cause he ain't got the names of the other people that ran. Kids don't roll like that. He just wants to pad his stats.
Posted by fessor123 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with all of the above. But DUDE (AIN'T) is not a word!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by towncryer (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW mbishop...you’re correct! I well remember having "nothing to do" here in Andalusia. We were "run" off from Howard’s parking lot, TG&Y parking lot and JC Penny's parking lot... maybe it was because all we did was start fights, through glass bottles and basically destroy private property. I also remember field parties where all we did was see how drunk we could get and who could roll the best joint then went drove alround looking for another party. So when you say teenagers can't just "meet up and hang out" you're correct again because drinking and drug use are in the plans as well. To address your other complaint...Hmmm what would you like for us to give you to do? The "teen dance club" went over well don't you think? HA! Or how 'bout the skating rink where the police had to be placed in the parking lot to keep the peace. I, for one, would LOVE some ideas on what we could "give" the teenagers of Andalusia to occupy their time. What do you think about maybe a JOB! Or maybe one night a weekend helping your mom wash your dirty underwear! Give me a break, if you want something to do then do something about it and stop whining. I could only wish for “NOTHING TO DO”!
Posted by kbklc (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This still does not change the fact that it is illegal. Why do so many young people think that they need alcohol and marijuana to have a good time. When I was that age I could have a good time without it. SOUNDS LIKE YOUR KIDS NEED TO ASSOCIATE WITH BETTER PEOPLE.
Posted by bamacitizen (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I was younger, I attended "field parties".... I have seen first hand the result of teenagers and alcohol. I have been to several funerals due to these parties. I would much rather pick up my child from the police department than to identify their body at the hospital.
I think the ABC is doing an outstanding job.
The above posters need to step up and be a good example for their children instead of letting them "have a beer". Find something for these kids to do.... a hobby, CHURCH functions, anything to raise their awareness and self worth. I think that if you show an interest in being a family that is involved with each other and plan activities together that it would be a step in the right direction.
I also think it should be mandatory for all teenagers to attend a class once a year while in school, that shows the results of alcohol and drugs... all the bloody details. It seems to me that it might make them think twice before risking their lives.
Posted by fessor123 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess somebody needs to call the ABC guys and see if they have an educational film for the kids. They seem to know how to arrest them.
Posted by cco (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is starting to sound like the Red Thames story. These kids were breaking the law, so why shouldn't they have been arrested?
Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Boy oh boy....it's really a "no win" situation here. Teenagers can't hang together and just talk and have a good time without fear of ABC busting up in their business....believe it or not folks, there ARE some who DON'T drink. Yeah, I know it's a far fetched idea, but hey, it does happen. But, they can't just have a party, without drugs or alcohol, cause some nosey neighbor will call the law on em. I'm not a teenager, not by a long shot, I grew up in the 70's and 80's, and hey, we did things then, we went to town, we hung out with our friends, we didn't fight and carry on. I know things and times have changed, but there are still some good kids around. Remember, a lot of these kids these days didn't grow up with the same values and morals that some of us did. WE knew when our parents told us to be home at a certain time, we'd by golly better be there! There was no room for discussion! I know everyone and every home is different, and values are different. I think there's really not a solution to these ongoing field parties, house parties, etc., but in my opinion, if the kids are being supervised, then ABC needs to stay out of it....If I want to have my children over and they have friends, then that's my business....I'm not serving them alcohol or drugs, but if they want to build a fire and sit around and crack jokes and have a good time, they should be able to do that without fear of someone busting up in on them with guns and whathaveyou! It's just a disgrace that they can't have fun anymore....
Posted by sweetnannie (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The majority of teenagers in Covington County are not doing this. If you put the beer by the gallon of milk at home, they are going to drink it. The parents of the comment blog seem to do that, if they let the kids drink at home. It's very clear to me. I refused to have it at my house, in my frig, etc. Sure mine probably drank, but I set an example at home. Plus home needs to be the place to bring friends can do things together without the beer.etc. Parents quit being kids yourself. Our kids are raised here and they know how to find things to do, but our county still needs to think out of the narrow box and provide something to do. Change the kind of example you are giving your chiildren. Begin to explore options for your kids and plan activies for your family together, expecially on the weekends. Go to parenting class to learn how to entertain teenagers within the law.
Posted by Mr_Logic (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What's worse, an eighteen year old kid smoking pot and being turned over to his parents for discipline or that same kid having a drug conviction on his permanent record?
Is the kid with a drug record going to be a senator? No, but another kid who does the same but doesn't have a criminal record may.
What's fair about crippling the futures of these kids by convicting them of a drug offense?
Posted by sweetnannie (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do agree that the ABC agents need to rewrite their job criteria. They should also have a warrant to go on private property. If they would concentrate on the real criminals more, then crime would certainly be down. I have to say, I am depending on ABC agents to protect me and mine, so I think these few who do not follow the law should be dealt with.
Posted by mbishop (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Towncryer, just to inform you I WORK 2 JOBS and I go TO SCHOOL FULL TIME. And I PAY MY OWN BILLS INCLUDING CAR INSURANCE, RENT, CELL PHONE, and I do MY OWN LAUNDRY BECAUSE I LIVE ON MY OWN. So don't direct crap at me when you don't know. MY mother left me on my own so she could better her life which i don't blame her for. So take that comment and shove it.
Posted by towncryer (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
George Carlin said if you are running from the cops ... you must have done something wrong...so if you're "just hanging out" and "cracking jokes" then why would a visit from the ABC be so bad. If you're not doing anything illegal why do you care who comes?
Posted by mbishop (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AND WHEN I SAY I WORK TWO JOBS I MEAN I WORK 55-60 hours a week.
Posted by towncryer (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh my goodness mbishop... Bless your heart. You sound much too young to have all those responsibilities! My comment was directed at teenagers in general. You asked that Andalusia "give us something to do" which included you but it sounds like you have enough to do already. Why don't you take your anger and help the situation instead of ranting without purpose.
Posted by kbklc (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IF THESE NOT SO SMART KIDS WOULDN'T ADVERTISE TO EVERYONE THAT THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE A PARTY WITH BEER AND ALL THEY WOULDN'T GET BUSTED!!!! THAT IS HOW EVERYONE FINDS OUT ABOUT THIS STUFF.
Posted by apples0400 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, if you did put something here for the young people would they appreciate the 'fun' activity? Would they respect the time and money put into entertainment for the youth? Could they handle NOT fighting, shooting, stabbing, leaving the 'illegal' drugs and alcohol off the premises?
A club, skating rink, a 'real' pool hall for a 'mixed' environment, and/or a designated building (w/a parking lot) for the young people to hang out at (without disturbing the peace) AFTER 9pm, maybe?
**The Andalusia Music store have music nights at the store on Thursday(s). (contact them for dates and times...)**
People *businesses* who cater to the youth in the evening and weekends should ADVERTISE !!!!
Yes, I do agree with everything mentioned in the above/below statements.
Young people don't have anything here, yet the word 'bored' was not allowed around my mother's home when I was growing up. There was ALWAYS cleaning, studying, sewing, grass mowing, walking the dog, playing a little neighbor sport (racing *on foot*, softball, kickball, football, bike riding, etc. etc... to do)
Then again, all of this 'boredom' should be a motivation for the young people to FINISH shcool with 'excellent' grades, head out for college, and experience so much more than what Covington County (including surrounding counties) has to offer.
Covington County has yet to change and seems to be on the same pace about changing to accommodate ALL the citizens!
much luv,
apples l....
*did not proofread*
Posted by TD (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My daughter is away at college and she comes home ever weekend to be at home with her family, very good kid. But when she gets home and wants to go out with her boyfriend there is really no place to go. They are both great students and a pleasure to have around but in Andalusia you have to go to the movie or like they do walk around in Wal Mart. They do not drink or do drugs and I am so proud they don't. But after all week in school and working hard there is on place to go. All teens are not bad, the law does not know that. When I was a teen we hung out in the parking lots around town and we had a very good time and no trouble was found. But when you do not let them hang out in town they leave town and have parties and do other things they are not supposed to do. Let them hang out in town at least the law can keep an eye on them when they are in town.
Posted by Blondie (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Here I go...
Do not let the actions of some of the teenagers ruin it for the other ones!! You can not hold all of them liable for what some did!
Yes it was wrong, yes it was illegal, and they will be dealt with, but in the mean time what are we going to do about the rest of the teenagers that live in our area that do not have anything to do on the weekends except the theater? Do you not think that if the mayor would be a little more worried about our youth around here, and try to do something about bringing or making something here for them to do!!
Lord knows I spent a many of night ( all night) on the square with friends, and usually a police officer or two riding thru, and I seem to turn out ok! Now they cant even park up there and sit and talk. One bad apple ruins it for all of them! They need something that interest them, that gives them a chance to do something fun ( that isnt illegal) but it doesnt seem it worries our elected officials to much these days!
You know in this city you need to be backed by our elected officials to open anything new around here, so think about it, why not do something for our teens? I dont believe this is such an outrageous request, look at all of the empty buildings in Andalusia, a perfect place for something to be placed!!
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The article said they had two agents in the woods for several hours,Hahah its nice to know our tax dollars are going to help fund surveillance on teeny bopper parties.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
towncryer wrote... " if you are just hanging out and cracking jokes why then would a visit from the ABC be so bad." Uh because I don't want them on my property.
Posted by no_jurisdiction (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
************* To All the people who think the POLICE just want to run the teenagers off from hanging out or the ABC busting these parties...........lets look at some things like here in Andalusia...........people complain about the teens spinning their tires and their LOUD MUSIC blarring at all times of the NIGHT. Oh how about the business owners complaining about the trash in the parking lot ( go to the Farmers Market this weekend and see what I'm talking about.)......about the ABC and LT. Price, lets talk about them, have you ever wonder maybe there trying to KEEP YOUR KIDS ALIVE!!!!!!!!! Yes, WE POLICE arrest people who drink because WE don't want to pull up on a wreck call and see bodies all on the ground with beer bottles around them. 98 % of the police in this county have seen DEAD TEENAGERS in car wrecks and so WE TRY OUR BEST TO KEEP EVERYBODY SAFE AND ALIVE. You hate certain officers that work at APD because he writes so many tickets and arrests people for DUI, well just think the next time you talk about this CERTAIN officer or officers.....we just may have just saved your life or somebody in your familes life because some idiot was wanting to get to wal-mart in 5 minutes from across town.............
Posted by towncryer (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Barvo no_jurisdiction! We buried several of my friends due to drinking and driving...not a pleasant thing for a teenager to witness or a parent to live through.
Posted by iamabookworm (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the person who commented that if you are doing nothing wrong why would you care about a visit from the ABC board, I would say that you should care because of Alabama's complicity laws, which basically means that you don't even have to being doing anything wrong but if you are there then you are guilty of complicity. For instance hypothetically suppose I am 21 and there are kids around me who are underage and drinking and I didn't buy them the alcohol but I don't call the authorities on them either, then I can be charged with complicity. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I thought that complicity was supposed to mean that you intentionally help or encourage a crime to be committed but that does not seem to be the way the law is applied here in Covington County. Again, I am no expert on the laws and I welcome input from anyone who would like to said me straight if I am misinterpreting this?
Posted by fessor123 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think if you are around kids and they are drinking you are wrong anyway. I mean look you suppose to be the adult and you are hanging out at a kiddee party. Give me a break.
Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NO ONE wants to see a teenager die, for Heaven's sake no_jurisdiction! But, in all fairness, I don't want the cops, or the ABC board hiding in my woods spying on what may be or may not be going on in my freakin yard! I pay my taxes, I bought my land, I own my home, it's noone's business but mine what goes on there! So stick that in your pipe and smoke it buster! I don't dislike cops, I just think there is a place for them and it ain't snooping in the woods like spys! Jeez! Anyways, just my opinion, but I still say that ain't got no d*mned business hiding out in the woods! That's just pure ridiculous! YOu can't even be safe and secure in your own home and property without now worrying about snoopers...hey, that used to be called something else didn't it....uhmmmm....ever heard of a "peeping tom"...???
Posted by bigballer2008 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Accomplice liability is defined in § 13A-2-23 as follows:
"A person is legally accountable for the behavior of another constituting a criminal offense if, with the intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense:
"(1) He procures, induces or causes such other person to commit the offense; or
"(2) He aids or abets such other person in committing the offense; or,
"(3) Having a legal duty to prevent the commission of the offense, he fails to make an effort he is legally required to make."
Posted by fessor123 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey dude if they are smoking dope that is against law also I think?????????. Peeping Tom lets get real.
Posted by fessor123 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good job Bigballer2008! im going to have look that up!!!!!
Posted by iamabookworm (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(3)Having a legal duty to prevent the commission of the offense, he fails to make an effort he is legally required to make.So where does your liability end, what are you legally required to do??? Couldn't this be applied to many other situations?
Posted by m08m (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am 19 years old. I have worked since I was 15. I have paid all my bills, a car, and working on paying for my second car.
I grew up with beer in my refrigerator. I have spent many nights sitting around with my parents drinking. I have never had the urge to party and get drunk out of my mind. This commenting crap is ridiculous.
These kids (and many that I know on a very personal level, because I went to school with many, many of them) were doing what they knew was against the law. Therefore, they should suffer the consequences.
Many of them come from homes where parents tell them it is "okay to do this or that, just don't get caught". We won't get into telling someone how to raise their children. But for you parents who preach that, don't sit around and gripe about the law enforcement doing their jobs.
Too many young people die from immature and irresponsible children partaking in actions just like your children are doing now.
Would you be preaching this to your child if your neice, nephew, or another child was killed because of these kids "just hanging out" out at a field party?
And as far as the ABC Board goes, this is their JOB. And yes, there are many law enforcement officials who simply love to fill their ticket books up, but many do it because they know that if they weren't trying to control it, one of their own could suffer from YOUR CHILD's foolishness.
I agree with the person who said that if the child is that desperate for something to do, make them get a job. Make them appreciate what they have.
And, for the person who said something about turning themselves in and having it go on their record. They know what they were doing was wrong. That was just their bad judgment. And, if you run, they will see to it that it goes on your record. If your honest and up front, more chances than not they will work with you to make sure it doesn't go on your record.
At the end of the day, what is wrong is wrong. You can gripe all you want.
Nothing to do, or everything to do. Kids will do what they want to do. It is up to them to make the right choice. When their decision making fails, they should suffer.
That is all there is to it.
And yes, if it was me, I would take whatever was given to me- good or bad.
Posted by Mr_Logic (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you really just wanted to make sure everyone was safe, why didn't you get there early and park at the gate instead of slipping out in the bushes. You could have prevented crime, but instead you allowed our kids to commit criminal acts so you could jump out of the bushes and Bust Them!
Maybe you got to see an early arriving couple have sex too. Boy, I'll bet those pics are going around the station house if you got some.
You folks don't have a problem with these tactics?
It's better to prevent crime by letting them know at the gate rather than allow kids to endanger themselves running out through the dark woods to be free of The Man.
Posted by gladtobefromandy (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just wanna say GREAT JOB to all the officers involved!! What if these kids would have got away with this and met one of you on the highway and hit you head on? And any Police officer can hide in my woods if they thought i was doing something wrong.. and if i was.. i'd WANT them to bust me. again.. GREAT JOB!
Posted by walnutwilly (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What's the big deal here? Partys like this happen every weekend. Or they did 13 years ago when I was out and about. I'm sure not much has changed. Most just go undetected. I'm sure if you get out and ride some county dirt roads this weekend you'll probably run across a few more drunk teenagers. I can't sit here and say that it's alright because I know it's wrong but face it, most of us on here have done the same thing.
Posted by s10 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i do not know why you all are blowing this all out of proportion! ya'll are acting as if you never made a mistake. some of the teens that were caught in this were not doing anything wrong. they were just caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. i am not saying that this is the right thing to do. i am not saying that the ones that weren't actually guilty shouldn't pay.
when it said in the article about the cop car getting messed up, maybe it was because that cop decided to hit some of the cars that was parked at the what you guys call a "field party".
the ones that did not run when they pulled up are getting blamed for everything!! The cops will never know who all was at either one of the so called "parties". Maybe everyone should have run so that they would all have a reason to get busted. they cops could not get them for something that they didn't do then. and NO, there is absolutely nothing for teenagers to do in Covington County. Everyone is saying get a job, well you don't work all day and night! What are teenagers supposed to do sit at home and eat and watch tv every weekend? yeah, that is the way people become obese. what all of the doctors are trying to prevent! Give the teens something to do. they aren't all bad people. they just make Mistakes!! You tell me who doesn't! (it's human.)
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone guys. . . Not saying it's the right thing to do, but like the old saying, been there, done that. I'm also willing to bet that the majority of these kids come from homes where they have been taught right from wrong.
If Price would rather parents pick their kids up at the scene then why were they arrested and taken to the county jail?
Why were kids that blew .000 and did not have alcohol and turned themselves in handcuffed and sent to jail and charged with minor in possession? What were they in possession of?
Why was a girl that had been called to pick up a friend and take her home arrested?
Why was a 21 year old guy who had been at the party for 10 minutes and was not drinking arrested and charged with complicity and contributing to the delinquency of minors? Was it just because he happened to be the unlucky age of 21?
Why was the "agent" driving so fast down a pig-trail road that he ran into the parked car? I didn't see this verson in the paper.
How were the two "agents" were injured? Did they get in physical altercations with these kids?
Maybe if these "Rambos" had not been hiding in the woods and driving up on these kids like demons, kids would not have run and the "agent" would not have run into the parked car.
I'm not saying the kids were in the right, but I DO think it could have been handled in a better way. What message is this sending to the kids that were not drinking and did not run? You'll get arrested anyway?
Why didn't the "agents" just wait at the gate and give them the "breath test" as they were leaving? The kids could not leave anyother way other than the gate. But That would not have been as much fun for the "agents" would it?
Isn't anyone else concerned about how this was handled?
Posted by Kathy052 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MBISHOP proud of you. Towncryer shut up and stop down grading people you don't know. How old are you towncryer? Back in my day it was moonshine and 7up. There isn't anything here to do for young people. Oh wait yes there is it is the lounge next to the motel in Opp don't want to say the name of it so this don't get deleted or me for saying something about the night club.
Posted by kbklc (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When someone in this county hears Field Party we all assume that its a alcoholic party. Why would it be anywhere else. Its "away" from the road and where they can't be seen or heard usually. The reason that they are getting busted is that they tell to many people about these parties. I'm not saying I agree with parties but hey if you are going to do it have enough sense to not let the whole world now about it.
Posted by iamabookworm (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Monkeeman08, you bring up some good points...........it seems like alot of things are handled differently here in Covington County as in comparison to other nearby counties, I wonder why that is? Could it possibly have anything to do with...........money............funding? I'm just sayin'......................
Posted by DidTheyCall (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Two things:
-From my teenager years of doing stupid things that were a bit illegal, I know that anytime I hear the law (or school officials) say, "We know who you are, so you might as well turn yourself in" they really mean, "We don't know who you are, so if you would come forward and turn yourself in that would be great!!"
-(Posted by Mr_Logic (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe you got to see an early arriving couple have sex too. Boy, I'll bet those pics are going around the station house if you got some.)
--Where the hell did that come from? Why would you even think about getting pictures of teenagers having sex? Fruedian slip?!!
Posted by canon09 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The crime rate in Andalusia is ridiculous! Why don't we have a YMCA for our youth? I am not knocking the recreation department, but something is going to have to be done to get these kids off the streets and out of trouble! They have to much time on their hands, hence "idle hands are the devil's workshop!"
Posted by jamthree (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
who is the worse here?the young folks havin a lil party on the weekend like they are going to in the country till the end of time the way many folk do or the grown men slipping around in the woods?are they jealous cause nobody wants to party with them.dont they have criminals to get?
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:03 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by billybob (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well after reading the story and comments about the raid I have visions of "The Dukes of Hazzard"
Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone that has negative comments towards the ABC Board or any other law enforcement agency in the county, you need to understand that every one of them have a job to do, and they are doing a GREAT job. If any one of these kids got hurt that night, who would you be calling then? If they weren't there some would be complaining that they weren't doing their job.
Posted by muleskinner_blue (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is wrong to say that all of the kids at the field party are "bad kids". Sure, some of them were drinking and from the paper's account one or two had pot. But I'm sure there were others that were not doing anything illegal. . .just at the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't think those kids should be punished for that. Their parents should have been called to come and pick them up. They should not have been taken to jail.
The paper also read that one kid had a handgun with the serial number rubbed off. . .why wasn't that charge in the paper along with the rest? Seems to me that this is a far more serious charge than minor consumption or minor possession One more thing. . . .I'd be willing to bet that most of these kids were planning on spending the night at the hunting camp and would not have been on the road.
If the "concerned" parent or individual was really concerned, looks like they would have tried to get the word out to the other parents without involving the law.
Posted by Roncleland (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will probably get beat up by law enforcement but ,lookeyhere is right. ABC is crooks,that is fact. I already said too much, I will get beat up,I promise you.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What the hell are you talking about? Roncleland,please you are to paronoid.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 10, 2009 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think if I was Mr. Price, I would be rethinking some of these charges. . .and the way I handle things from now on. Sounds like this won't die a quiet death. . .
Posted by weasel (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 6:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why stay on these kids so hard? I was letting the kids gather at my house, out at the shed, yes some would drink and some would not. The rule was they had to hand over keys if they were drinking and spend the night here at my house or I would approve a DD to take them home. Some were of age but some were not. But after all these bust I stopped them from hanging at my house because I don't want to go to jail. But now they are finding alternative places to go and some drive when they leave because it's usually in the woods somewhere instead of being here where I could supervise them. No I was not encouraging them to drink but I not stupid enough to think they are not gonna do it, THEY ARE, they're kids. I know some of the kids at this party and previous parties busted ARE in church every Sunday with their parents and they excel in school. So don't say they need parental involvement because my kids would tell you they would rather be at home instead of hiding.
Why be so harsh about underage drinking? At age 18 they can join the military, die for their country, they are old enough to make that decision, at 19 they can buy tobacco products, vote, held as an adult at age18, but can not enjoy a beer, some of these kids are 18, 19, 20 years old that hold a full time job and just like my husband, like to enjoy a beer after working all day or just to relax. I for one think they deserve it.
If these kids can be treated as adults in all other accounts why not treat them like adults when it comes to drinking?
Wait for them to leave the party if they are gonna leave then get the ones that are drinking and driving.
Busting these parties are not working all they are doing is finding somewhere else to go and from being supervised, to not being.
Alot of things are against the law, speeding- I see cops speeding all the time without lights. I could go on and on but the law in the state of Alabama really needs to change, these kids the ABC says they want to protect they are actually hurting. Covington County's ABC really needs to lighten up other surrounding counties don't act as they do here.
And as for making money for the county as in one of the above post, if I'm not mistaken ABC is state.
Let's just all pray for our kids to be safe.
You know, the kids I'm around make more of an adult decision about drinking and driving than some adults do!
Posted by Mr_Logic (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DidTheyCall - I am trying to point out that these Bushwhackers may may observe legal, private, personal, embarrassing activity when they legally go and hide in "open fields" to investigate crime. Several posters questioned what could be wrong with them hiding in the bushes.
It is hard to imagine they didn't have cameras. That's part of the evidence they gather to get a warrant or develop probable cause to raid the party. If a private activity such as a sex act was conducted in their presence, do you think they'd put their cameras down, close there eyes and wait the requisite 15 minutes before opening them again?
That's a big problem with government surveillance; you don't know what they are doing or what Constitutional rights they have violated unless they come forward and fess up. There's a plan - To all law enforcement officials, we know who you are. It's in your best interests to turn yourselves in and confess to each crime and Constitutional violation you have committed.
I wonder when the line will begin to form?
Posted by alhm (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have quit commenting on most stories now because it's always the same story on here. It's always the fault of law enforcment that someone is doing what they are doing. To the comment about Lt. Price changing his practices due to this incident, I doubt that. When I was seventeen I was not perfect. I went to many field parties while I was in highschool and even if the town had provided us with something else to do we wouldn't have went. It would not have been "cool" to do. We refused to go to the movies or to the bowling alley becuase those were the "skank" hangouts and so we would go to a field and drink. There were many times the cops would show up at these parties and we would go running and while we were scared we also thought it was funny. I now realize as an adult that we were stupid. It caught up with me one night at a party when I was arrested for underage drinking. There was also someone there who had marijuanna and when the cops showed up they threw it and of course the cops found it and when asked who's it was no one would confess it was there's. I have never smoked pot in my life so at this time I realized I was running with the wrong crowd.
My parents didn't have to beat me that night. I knew their dissapointment when they came and picked me up from the jail. I didn't know if I would ever forgive myself for the embarassment I caused them. And believe me, they were not taking up for me or saying it was ok for me to have been doing what I was doing. There was no question on whether or not law enforcement had done their jobs that night. Had I drove home that night instead of riding in the police car, I might have killed someone or killed me. That was the last field party I ever attended and the last underage beer I ever drank. I found some new friends. Sounds like that would be a good idea for some of these children. A lot of you need to grow up more than your children do.
Posted by s10 (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 8:26 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Til the end of time, parties will happen. Til the end of time, folks...get over it. It's gonna happen. No amount of fussing or bi*ching will change it.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The question remains. . .what about the kids that WERE NOT DRINKING , DID NOT HAVE ALCOHOL, DID NOT HAVE ANY POT AND DID NOT RUN? And from what I understand, there were several there whose only sin was to be present at the party. They made a mistake. . .so just go ahead and shoot them?
And I'll bet dollars to donuts that there were a good many upset parents. It's not fair to imply that the parents are not good parents or don't care what their children are doing. I'm sure some of these parents do not drink or allow their children to drink and are in church every Sunday.
I just don't feel that it is fair to punish these kids just like the kids that were drinking, had pot, and ran from the law. Why can't they just be made to attend a Saturday school like traffic violators do? The system needs some revisions.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well we have the sheriff crashing planes,the APD with there water cannon,ABC agents conducting surveillance on teeny bopers,Hahah, oh it doesn't get any better than this. I buy the local paper just to get a good laugh everyday.
Posted by fessor123 (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the teeney bobpers had guns, weed, and beer. Illegal???????????
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not all of them, fessor123. So it's not fair to lump them all together.
Posted by alhm (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you lie down with dogs you'll get up with fleas. This is a lesson these children need to learn. They are not innocent. They knew what was going on at the party. They weren't there having Bible study in one corner!
Posted by muleskinner_blue (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Reckon just how much this "bust" costed? Just how much did we have to pay for the helicopter with infrared? This is just plain silly. Cops with dogs and helicopters with infrared. . .just for a field party? Maybe they need to be looking for the person that sold the liquor and the person that bought the liquor for these kids. Start at the source and there won't be any field parties.
What kid wouldn't have run when cars without their lights on came charging down the road? It's a thousand wonders someone was not ran over. But wait. . .I heard that one of the cops running out of the woods was almost ran over by one of the cop cars and that's why the cop vehicle ran into another car. What a feasco.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh muleskinner what helicopter?
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well aren't you just a little bit self righteous, alhm. What about the girl that went to pick up a friend? I don't see how you can say that everyone there knew what was going on. Maybe they were just having a bon fire and then the other kids started showing up. Ever though that it could have been one of your kids in this position?
Now mind you, I'm not taking up for the kids who were drinking or had pot. But I AM taking up for the kids who were NOT doing anything.
Posted by alhm (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who called the girl to come pick up the friend, monkeeman08? Was one of the girls there told my a law enforcment official to call and get a ride home or was she just hoping that if one showed up they would let her leave? My years of being a teenager haven't been that long ago. I don't have to imagine monkeeman08, that it could be one my children when it wasn't that long ago that it was me. I know what these children are feeling that went to jail. I know how the ones that went to the party that weren't doing anything are feeling. Although I had drank the night I was arrested I did not smoke pot but it was there and no one would claim it. I took responsiblity for being there. My parents didn't make excuses for me or blame the police for doing their jobs.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It was my understanding that the girl was just ready to leave and called a friend to come pick her up. This was just before the bust. I really don't think anyone is "making excuses". I simply don't think those who were not partaking should be punished to the extent of those who were.
Posted by baseballwife (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
its funny how policeman can go to field parties with underage drinking there and no policeman are called. but let kids do it without a policeman and they go to jail..the policeman are florala and andalusia. i suggest watching yourself when going to these parties now. you either have to be friends with the police so you can drink with them and dont have to worry about getting caught or not have them there and get busted. i know this for a fact! i would be careful if i was the police because they are not above God.
Posted by simplylivesimple (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that if the ABC board is so concerned about the decisions and the well being of todays youth then they should have stopped what was going on instead of watching it for two hours. The majority of those arrested passed the breath test with straight zeros, but were still charged with minor in possesion. The way it was explained to me by the ABC board is that if they were in the same area as the alcohol/drugs then they are guilty whether they knew it was present or not! So I'm wondering why those adults who were lying in the woods watching and allowing these teens to consume such harmful products are not charged with possesion or complicity? Alcohol and drugs can be a DEADLY combination, however, the ABC board allowed it for quite a while. What if that bottle that was being drunk as you watched was the bottle that caused an overdose and possibly death? It just seems to be more about fines, fines, fines to me. By the way, my child was one of runners, but will pay the consequences!
Posted by Liz (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am proud of the Opp Police Department, I now live 20 miles from DC. Teenagers here can't even hang out at the mall without the fear of a drive by shooting. Police here work very hard to protect all of us; same as they do in Opp Alabama, There are some things that just are not in the hands of a Police Officer. Any time a officer can protect citizens; we as citizens should not complain. Who ever the teenagers are will learn a valuable lesson and most likley will think before acting next time.
Posted by Honestyfirst (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The police had not arrived when the girl called her friends to come get her.They came in just after the girls got there to pick her up.The girl driving the car had got off work and she and a couple of friends went to Burger King,that's when the girl called.I am not mad about the police being there.Maybe someone could have died that night had they not been there.Maybe a few learned a lesson,I hope they did.
Posted by Kathy052 (anonymous) on February 11, 2009 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know it isn't only feild parties but also certain nightclubs. Can't name it cause I would more than likely get sued but I do know onehing and that is if my son was evry out there do that kind of dance and the record telling them how to have sex. I would drag him out kicking and screaming.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So basically if I happen to be in the vacanity of someone who has been drinking or has pot in their pocket, say I'm talking to some friends in a parking lot, I'm guilty even though I do not know this person or have any idea they have been drinking or have pot in their pocket????? I'm sorry, but there's something wrong with this picture.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh. . .how can you be charged with minor in possession or consumption if you blew straight 0000's???? Obviously nothing was in their possession and nothing was in their system. And again, I'm not saying they were totally in the right but. . . There needs to be a different charge for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that the "complicity" thing is a bit far fetched. It's not right that they kids were out their drinking and smoking pot, but I agree that the ones who were not doing anything wrong, shouldnot be charged as if they were. That's just plain dang WRONG! Like monkeeman said...
"So basically if I happen to be in the vacanity of someone who has been drinking or has pot in their pocket, say I'm talking to some friends in a parking lot, I'm guilty even though I do not know this person or have any idea they have been drinking or have pot in their pocket?????"
You have to wonder bout this .....
Posted by alhm (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you are at the party, you are underage, there is beer there in a cooler who is to say that it's not yours? Of course you are going to say it's not but no one is going to claim it. Therefore, everyone is charged with possesion. It's a lesson learned. It teaches you not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. You learn that if there are illegal things going on, you shouldn't be there. If you went to a friend's house and they were cooking meth in the back of the trailor, are you going to just stick around becuase you aren't going to do the meth with them. You know what they are doing is illegal and by staying around it you are supporting what they are doing. I agree that if they child passed the breathalizer they shouldn't be in AS MUCH trouble as the ones who were drinking. However, they still need to be held accountable for being there. If this even ends up going to anywhere (most of the time these cases don't) then the child can use their youthful offender and pretty much get off with nothing on their record. If they have for some reason already used their youthful offender then no one should be on here defending the child.
Posted by Movedbutnotgone (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IF you are underage and at a party with alchohol, by Alabama Law you are breaking it. I know, the same thing happend to me in 1995. This is not something new. Why make a fuss about it now. I had come home from my first semester at college, and went to a friends house. They where having a party, and it got raided by the police. By my recolection there was way more than 24 arrested that night. Many of us where not drinking, and some of us drove up infront of the cops, but we were all just a liable and got arrested.
While I agree that there is not much to do in Andalusia, it has not changed anything for the past 20 years. The officers were just doing their jobs, and the parents of the ones arrested should be thanking the officers. I can think of two parties I was at in Highschool that I wish would have gotten raided. I would have two friends back that killed themselves by driving drunk. How many of you can think about loved ones or friends that you would get back if they had been caught drinking underage?
Is a few hours in Jail, some fines, and classes worth it? To me..it was worth every penny I paid for being there.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
alhm.... You are comparing beer to meth?
Posted by s10 (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 10:28 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by s10 (anonymous) on February 12, 2009 at 10:32 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)