Bethesda underage drinking party draws 125, sends 1 to hospital

An underage drinking party involving students from American University drew a police response early Friday morning in Bethesda. Once on the scene around 1:04 AM in the 5900 block of Walhonding Road, one officer radioed for additional units, citing that there were "approximately 125 people at this party."

One attendee ended up at Sibley Hospital for what was described in scanner reports as a "stabbing." But Montgomery County Police 2nd District Commander Captain David Falcinelli said yesterday the victim's injuries were only superficial, and resulted from a dispute with another student.

Montgomery County Police have made stopping underage drinking parties a priority. Efforts have been stepped up further after recent drinking-and-driving-related deaths of students who had attended such parties. A legislative effort is also underway in Annapolis to crack down on underage drinking.

Falcinelli said he has already contacted American University officials regarding yesterday morning's incident.