An Indiana State Police officer discovered an underage drinking party early Saturday morning that led to charges against 10 juveniles, mostly Amish.

Lt. Chad Larsh tells StaceyPageOnline.com that he came upon three vehicles on a gravel stretch of CR 1200 North near 600 West, rural Nappanee. Officer Larsh observed the vehicles turning out their lights for short periods of time, then move locations. “I watched the vehicles for a while and eventually was able to approach them without them realizing I was around,” he said.

In the first vehicle, the driver, 22-year-old Jeremy Lambright of Goshen, was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and a violation of Indiana’s Open Container law.

Passengers in Lambright’s vehicle, Devon Bontrager, 18, Shipshewana; and Jerry Miller, 18, of LaGrange, were arrested for illegal consumption. Two 16-year-old females in the vehicle were cited and released to their parents.

While Lt. Larsh was making contact with the first vehicle, a second vehicle, driven by Steven Yoder, 18, of Topeka, approached. Yoder was also found to be intoxicated and was charged with OWI and illegal consumption.

Passengers in Yoder’s vehicle, Levi Schrock, 18, of Middlebury, and Gerald Bontrager, 18, Wolcottville, were also arrested for minor consumption. Two 16-year-old girls in that vehicle were also cited and released to their parents.

The third vehicle left the area and could not be located by police.

ISP was assisted at the scene by deputies of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Nappanee Police officer and Milford Police officers.