Amish teens clocked at 110 mph face alcohol charges

Five Amish teens face alcohol-related charges after their 2001 Dodge Caravan was clocked at 110 miles per hour.

The teens were spotted Friday night while driving southbound on US 31 in Fulton County.

As the Indiana State Police troopers caught up with the van, the teens allegedly started throwing alcohol containers out of the vehicle.

An investigation found that the 17-year-old male driver was operating the vehicle on a learner's permit and had consumed alcohol.

Inside the vehicle, troopers spotted numerous alcohol containers, multiple cases of beer, and a jug of whiskey.

There were two female passengers, ages 16 and 17, in the van. There were also two 16 year-old boys in the van. Police believe all of the teens had consumed alcohol.

“Alcohol, high speed, and teenagers is an all-too-often deadly combination," said Trooper Ben Reason. “I am glad we stopped these kids before they injured or killed themselves or someone else.”

The driver faces charges for reckless driving; a person under 21 operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level between .02 and .08; minor consumption of alcohol; littering; learners permit violation; speeding; and unlawful possession of tobacco.

The 16-year-old boys face charges for minor consumption of alcohol and unlawful possession of tobacco. Both teen girls face minor consumption of alcohol charges.

All five were released into the custody of a relative of one the teens. The troopers say they initially had trouble contacting the teens' parents because, due to Amish tradition, the parents don't use telephones.

Four of the teens were from Shipshewana, and one was from Topeka, Indiana.