Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
WEST VALLEY CITY — "Dozens" of teenagers were cited Sunday for underage drinking and some adults were also arrested after officers broke up a massive house party, police said.
In all, at least 100 people were at the party Sunday morning at 5509 W. Deermeadow Drive, said West Valley Police Lt. Steve Burke.
Cocaine and marijuana were found at the residence and two guns were found on the outside of the house, according to Burke.
"People started to run out the back of the house" when officer arrived, he said. "A few got away, but we were able to maintain control over a vast majority of them."
In all, dozens of teenagers, plus young adults under the age of 21, were cited for underage drinking, according to Burke. The call required 20 officers to respond to the home. Everyone under 18 years old was released to their parents after being cited.
Two men were arrested for their alleged roles in staging the party. Christian Alvarez, 20, of West Valley City, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of reckless endangerment, selling, offering or furnishing alcohol and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Edwin Alvarez, 24, was booked for investigation of the same allegations, plus marijuana possession.
Police contacted the owner of the home, who was not there at the time of the party, Burke said. The lieutenant added that word about the party likely got around on social media. He said the gathering created a threatening environment, including for police.
"We’re entering into a home … that has over 100 people that are having a good time," but whose judgment is impaired by the alcohol, he said. "It can be potentially dangerous for law enforcement when we come to one of these parties."
Burke recommended that parents warn their children about the dangers of underage drinking, which can lead to alcoholism and other problems.
"Just being involved in (your) children’s lives is a big thing," he said.
Officers were originally called to the home because of how loud the party was. The home is "known for loud parties with underage drinking," a police report states.
