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Police Arrest 17 At Alleged Underaged House Party In Hingham

HINGHAM, Mass. (CBS) – After responding to a complaint about a loud house party Saturday night on East Street, local police arrested 17 people and plan to press charges against the homeowner.

At about 11:52 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched East Street near Side Hill Road. The first officer on the scene observed at least six cars parked in the road along East Street. He saw people who appeared to be under 21 with alcohol and heard others yelling "the police are here," according to a prepared statement from Hingham Police.

The officer said as soon as he got out of his cruiser at least one glass beer bottle was thrown at him and he called for assistance.

More Hingham officers and several members of the Cohasset Police Department responded to the scene. The officers saw several youths run into the woods, a barn in the back yard and inside the house. Spilled beer cans and bottles were visible throughout the property, police said.

A total of 16 youths ranging from ages from 17 to 20 were arrested on charges including minor in possession of alcohol and disturbing the peace. A 21-year-old arrested at the party is accused of disturbing the peace.

The Weymouth police assisted in the arrests with their prisoner transport van. Four vehicles were towed, police said.

Officers interviewed the homeowner, William Hacking, 51, who appeared unsteady on his feet and smelled heavily of alcohol.

Hacking, of 342 East St., faces charges including allowing alcohol to be delivered to minors (also known as the state's Social Host Law) and disturbing the peace.

The 17 young people arrested at the party were booked at the Hingham Police Station then released on personal recognizance for arraignment at Hingham District Court on Tuesday.

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