Nearly thirty individuals were taken into the custody after concerns from Pulaski County residents prompted a multi-officer patrol on the Tippecanoe River on Saturday.
Authorities report that Indiana DNR Conservation Officers conducted a patrol on the river on August 31st in response to citizen complaints that included excessive littering and other suspected criminal activity. Some of those issues were addressed during a previous Winamac Town Council meeting.
While patrolling the river by kayak, Indiana Conservation Officers encountered a large group of individuals floating on tubes and consuming alcohol while reportedly under the age of 21.
Due to the size of the group, the assistance of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and Winamac Police Department was requested.
A total of 27 individuals were taken into custody by Indiana Conservation Officers and were charged with the class C misdemeanor of minor consumption of alcohol.
In addition to the 27 minor consumption arrests, ICOs also charged one individual with possession of marijuana and another was issued a citation for not possessing a wearable personal flotation device, as required.
They were all transported and booked into the Pulaski County Jail. Assisting agencies included the Winamac Police and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Departments and Pulaski County Jail Staff.
Police note that all individuals facing charges are considered innocent until proven guilty.
