Long Island police bust underage parties

Long Island police dismantled multiple parties involving minors over the Halloween weekend, leading to arrests and hospital transports in at least two towns.

In Long Beach, officers responded to a gathering on East Park Avenue on Friday night. Officials reported more than 250 youths attended the event. Authorities issued summonses to several underage drinkers and charged the adult hosts with social host violations. A city spokesperson confirmed the summons were issued for knowingly allowing people under 21 to consume alcohol.

Old Westbury Police Chief Stuart Cameron noted that parents often rely on the trust of other adults to supervise their children at social events. Cameron stated that social host law violations often break that mutual trust. On Saturday night, police found approximately 200 high school students at a party on Pinetree Lane in Old Westbury. Many attendees showed signs of intoxication. Two teenagers were found unconscious from alcohol consumption and taken to a hospital for treatment. Police arrested 51-year-old Efrat Fridman, charging her with violating social host law and endangering the welfare of a child.

In Mineola, officers arrested 53-year-old Thomas Quinn on Fairfield Avenue over the weekend. Police discovered a large group of people, many under 21, along with empty alcohol containers. Local resident Tom Oswald described the scene after police arrived. Oswald said the party closed, and attendees stood on the street until Nassau County police arrived. He noted that the kids dispersed without violence or vandalism. Authorities also responded to reports of parties in East Patchogue and Merrick on Saturday.

Cameron advised students to call 911 if they suspect a party is getting out of control. He emphasized that calls can be anonymous. Cameron said police will respond, break up the gathering, and ensure the welfare of everyone present so that attendees remain healthy and safe.