Dozen teens charged with underage drinking on Halloween in Gilford

GILFORD — What was initially reported as a party involving as many as 30 teens at an Airbnb property resulted in 12 minors being charged with underage drinking.

Gilford police responded to a 911 call Saturday night at an address in the 600 block of Cherry Valley Road, according to police. No adults were present.

Capt. Adam P. VanSteensburg said the teens were cited for underage drinking and will be arraigned at a later date.

Because all those charged were juveniles, police did not release their names. VanSteensburg said each teen will have the opportunity to enter a plea that could allow them to attend court-ordered training, potentially resulting in the charges being expunged.

The 911 call came in at about 11:25 p.m. on Oct. 31, according to police. Gilford responded with five officers and requested assistance from Laconia Police, because of the number of partygoers initially reported, VanSteensburg said.

Gilford Fire-Rescue also responded to assist a female, although no serious injuries were reported.

The teens, most of whom were between 16 and 17 years old, according to initial reports, were given breath tests at the scene, and later released to their parents.