Top Stories of 2012: Police Break Up Massive St. Patrick's Day Party

Editor's Note: Solon Patch is reviewing its top stories of 2012. These stories are either some of the top read of the year or some of the biggest overall stories of the year. This story is reprinted from earlier in the year.

Solon Police officers broke up a massive party on SOM Center Road on St. Patrick's Day that resulted in charges against dozens of Solon teens and young adults.

The party at a large home at 5119 SOM Center Road is still under investigation. So far, 31 people have been charged and 10 more have been referred to Solon's juvenile officers. Most of the charges are for underage drinking, but some were tagged with charges of drug abuse, resisting arrest and obstructing official business.

All but three of the partygoers police rounded up are from Solon. The other three were from Avon Lake, Lorain and Glenwillow.

According to the police report, officers responded to a large party at 11:32 on March 17.

When officers pulled up to house, which is set back far from the street in the wooded areas near Miles Road, police saw people dart from the house and flee into the woods. Officers called in backup and received aid from police departments in Orange, Moreland Hills and Benleyville to assist with booking the suspects.

According to the report, police searched through the house, finding partygoers hiding inside. Some actively resisted arrest and fought back against officers. A few bongs were found. The house suffered unspecified damage and blood was found in a basement sink, but police don't know how it got there.

The party's host, an 18-year-old Solon High student and resident of the house, was charged with contributing to unruliness and delinquency of minors, possession of drug paraphernalia and providing liquor to underage persons.

Police say his parents were not home at the time of the party.

Lt. Bruce Felton with the Solon Police said officers are aggressively investigating the party.