Last Thursday, Richard Lance Pike, 17, Charles Towson, 16, and Frank Ratcliffe, 16, appeared before
Judge Edwin Randolph on charges of possession of alcohol by minors and underage drinking. Pike, the
driver of the vehicle witnessed by residents speeding on Halloween night, was also charged with
reckless driving, speeding in excess of 100 miles per hour over the posted limit, DUI, open container
violations and four other misdemeanors. Judge Edwin Randolph sentenced Towson and Ratcliffe to 80
hours of community service, with Pike receiving 120 hours, a $750 fine, and the suspension of his
driver’s license for one year.
When reached for comment, Sheriff Emming told the Gazette, “These boys put a lot of people at
risk pulling a stunt like this on Halloween night, including fellow classmates and younger kids. They’re
fortunate no one got hurt.”
In an agreement struck with the youths’ attorneys and Far Hollow High principal Dave Kreutz, all
three boys have been suspended from Far Hollow athletics for the remainder of the season and playoffs,
and will each be suspended from school for two weeks.