18 teens cited for underage drinking

Branford (WTNH) - 18 underage Branford partygoers were issued citations for possession of alcohol by a minor Friday night.

Undercover police responded to a private residence at about 9:30 p.m. on a report of a loud party that had underage drinkers. Once on the scene, the officers were invited into the home by a 17-year-old attendee and were offered an alcoholic beverage.

Officers saw the alcohol in plain view as well as a number of youths consuming it. The officers later called for the assistance of uniformed officers. Once those officers arrived the undercover officers identified themselves and those who were in possession of alcohol were detained and issued citations.

All citations were issued to teens who were 17 to 18 years old. The names of the 17-year-olds were not released due to being minors.

The following 18-year-olds were cited:

• Kyle Hodgkins
• Lindsey Helbling
• Ryan Parmelee
• Eric Raccio
• Barnett Clearly

Detective Ron Washington, who is the department's youth officer will be reviewing the incident with Branford's Superintendent on Monday to ensure that if any violations of school policy concerning athletics and possession of alcohol are violated that those offenders are sanctioned accordingly.