Seven cited for beer party incident

Five adults and two juveniles were cited in Tamaqua following an underage drinking party Monday night.

Police received a tip concerning a possible drinking party in a garage on Brown Street and responded at 10:35 p.m. At the scene they heard several voices coming from the garage. Looking through a small opening, Patrolman Thomas Rodgers was able to observe several teenagers holding bottles of beer. Rodgers entered the garage through a rear door, causing the teens to open the overhead door where they found awaiting Patrolman Karl Harig.

The seven individuals were taken into custody and given portable breath tests which all registered positive readings. Rush Township Police Officer Brian Thompson assisted at the scene.

Cited for illegal purchase, consumption, possession and/or transport of alcoholic beverages were: Joshua Baran, 18, of 117 Jones Rd., Quakake; Michael J. Houser, 20, of 207 South St., Tamaqua; James Deem, 18, of 98 Pine Hill Rd., New Ringgold; Chastity Yatsko, 18, of 230 Green St., Tamaqua; Devan Michael Valentine, 19, of 497 Boyle Ave., Tamaqua; a 16 year old female from Tamaqua; and a 14 year old male from Tamaqua.