Father, 57, Charged With Hosting Teen Drinking Party for Son, 18

A Barrington father, 57, has been charged under the “social host law” for being aware of a birthday party for his son, 18, at which alcohol was accessible to teens.

Bruce M. Becker, of 26 Bullock Ave., was arrested last Tuesday, July 30, at about 10:30 pm after Barrington police officers broke up the party that allegedly involved a DJ playing loud music and at least 30 teens drinking.

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said Becker also allegedly told the 16 to 19 year olds at the party to run when police officers showed up.  He allegedly said, according to LaCross: “Oh my God, the police are here. Everybody run.”

Many of the teen then took off from the backyard of the house, LaCross said, dropping beer cans as they fled. 

Becker also reportedly advised four teens who did not flee the backyard to refuse to take a Breathalyzer test to determine if they were drinking, LaCross said.

Police officers found at the party several cases of Natural Light beer, a table covered with Solo cups for the popular “beer pong” game, and bottles of vodka and champagne. It was the noise from the DJ that alerted neighbors to the party and led to the call to the police. 

“This is very disappointing,” said the police chief of Becker, who he believes was well aware of the teens at the party drinking alcohol. 

LaCross said he would find it hard to believe that “any adult would not know there was an underage drinking party going on” at their home. 

Becker was arrested, handcuffed and taken to the police station to be arraigned by a justice of the peace. He was released after the arraignment with a date to appear in District Court to face the violation of the “social host law,” said LaCross, which is a misdemeanor.

Only one of the teens at the party was arrested for underage drinking – a 16-year-old North Kingstown girl who was found with a bottle of whipped cream-flavored vodka in her hands, LaCross said.