6-year-old imbibes at underage drinking party

Some children received something a little more than a piece of cake at an East Providence, RI birthday party on April 1.

Minors imbibe at birthday party. Photo via Wiki Commons.

Minors at a party at an East Providence residence were found to be celebrating by imbibing. The police first learned of the party after a concerned parent went to the party only to find his 11-year-old daughter under the influence.

The East Providence Post reports that the parent first became alarmed when his daughter did not return his numerous cell phone calls.  When the father arrived at the party, he was told that his daughter was drunk and passed out. The parent promptly called the police to report the situation.

Police quickly responded to the incidence. Lt. James Nelson told WPRI in Providence that officers found several minors, ranging in ages from 6 to 15, under the influence of alcohol. Nelson also stated that the 6-year-old was found to have consumed a small amount of alcohol.

Heather Picozzi, 32, and Shane Cole have been arrested in conjunction with this incident. Picozzi has been charged with purchasing alcohol for a minor as well as contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Cole has been charged with child neglect. The pair is expected back in court on June 4th.

Some of the children were taken to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation. Any of the minors residing at the East Providence home have been taken into custody by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families for the time being.