Police from Flathead and Lincoln counties busted up a kegger involving some 300 kids who were partying in the woods near Middle Thompson Lake early on the morning of June 13.
According to Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe, dispatch received a report of a massive party in the woods along U.S. Highway 2 shortly after 1 a.m. About an hour later, after coordinating with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Highway Patrol, officers from the three agencies arrived and chaos ensued as hundreds of the kids ran for the trees.
Police were able to find many of the kids and 47 were charged with minor in possession. Eleven especially intoxicated youngsters were taken into custody so that their parents could pick them up in Libby.
Upon securing the “chaotic scene” police found two kegs and a few other containers.
In a press release, Bowe said most of the kids were from Flathead County. The last reveler left police custody at 11 a.m.
Bowe said that keggers are common this time of year, especially as school lets out for the summer. However, he also said the parties often spiral out of control and can lead to dangerous and even deadly scenarios.
“We appeal to parents and guardians to talk with kids about these very real and serious issues, and to please encourage them to call for a ride if they find themselves in a shaky situation,” he said.