Teens busted during open campus lunch
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/tnebc/News/4427/
Several Pea Ridge High School students didn’t make it back to school Thursday after open campus lunch hour. Along with a few local young adults, they were handcuffed, awaiting interviews in the Pea Ridge Police Department.
A report of a reckless driver led police to an apartment on Frost Street, where the pickup truck reported being driven recklessly was parked, according to information provided by Pea Ridge police.
Pungent smoke billowed from the doorway as a young man answered the door in response to the police officer’s knock, police said. Several young people ran from the front room of the apartment.
The officer called for assistance; other officers arrived to help.
Nine people — eight males and one female, ranging in age from 16 to 19 — were found in the apartment. All were handcuffed and taken to the police station. Parents of the minoraged youngsters were called and interviews began.
Found on a table and counter top were two water bongs, several smoking pipes, several baggies of a green, leafy substance which appeared to be marijuana, a bottle of vodka, cigarettes and other items including condoms.
Zach Lempke, 18, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of an instrument of crime. Three males, one age 16, two age 17, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of an instrument of crime.
The apartment was apparently rented to Lempke and a 17-year-old male.
The incident continues under investigation and further charges could be filed, according to police officers.