New Castle police issue warning after two large teen parties held over Halloween weekend
In a public statement issued Monday, Police Chief James D. Carroll said the incidents serve as a reminder of how quickly unsupervised gatherings can escalate into dangerous situations for attendees, nearby residents, and the broader community.
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The New Castle Police Department is urging parents and property owners to take greater precautions after two separate house parties involving hundreds of underage teenagers took place over the Halloween weekend in Chappaqua.
Police say that during one incident, a 16-year-old was transported to the hospital. The neighboring property was also damaged.
In a public statement issued Monday, Police Chief James D. Carroll said the incidents serve as a reminder of how quickly unsupervised gatherings can escalate into dangerous situations for attendees, nearby residents, and the broader community.
New Castle Police Department emphasizes the following for parents and property owners:
Legal Responsibility:
New York State law prohibits knowingly permitting underage individuals to consume alcohol on property you own or control, subject to limited statutory exceptions. Violations can carry criminal and civil consequences.
Social Media Can Quickly Change the Situation:
A party advertised or shared online can attract uninvited guests, push attendance beyond your control, and make it difficult to manage who is coming and going.
Injuries and Emergencies Carry Serious Consequences:
If someone becomes intoxicated, suffers an injury, is involved in a fight, or is hurt in a motor vehicle crash after leaving your property, the consequences can extend well beyond the party itself. Depending on the circumstances, hosts and property owners may face civil liability.
Property Damage Can Become Your Problem:
Damage to neighboring homes, vehicles, landscaping, or other property can result in costly claims and potential financial liability.
Supervision Does Not Eliminate Liability:
Providing alcohol, allowing underage drinking, or knowingly permitting illegal activity on your property can expose adults to significant legal and financial consequences.
The Consequences Can Be Permanent:
A single incident involving underage drinking, drugs, violence, or impaired driving can have lasting effects on a young person’s education, employment opportunities, and future.
"Know where your children are, who they are with, and what type of gathering they are attending. Do not simply drop your child off at a friend’s home or party without knowing the circumstances: who is hosting, whether responsible adults will be present, and what level of supervision will be provided," Carroll said. "Take the time to speak directly with the parents or responsible adults hosting the event. Do not assume another parent is supervising simply because the gathering is at their home."
Police advise anyone hosting a gathering to establish clear expectations, control attendance, and prohibit underage drinking and drug use.
The department also urges residents to call them at 914-238-4422 if a gathering begins to get out of control and to seek help if someone's safety is at risk. In emergencies, residents should call 911.
"The New Castle Police Department is not looking to discourage responsible social gatherings. Our goal is to prevent situations that can result in serious injuries, criminal charges, financial liability, property damage, and lifelong consequences for young people and their families," Carroll said. "We ask parents and guardians to take an active role in preventing these situations before they happen. A few extra precautions and responsible decisions can prevent a gathering from turning into a serious incident...Please be a responsible host and parent. One party is not worth a lifetime of consequences."
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