BREAKING: A Winter Park physician, Hao Nhu Tran, will not face criminal charges after allegedly hosting a house party where minors consumed alcohol, leading to a serious incident involving a 15-year-old girl. This urgent news comes just days after police reported the incident, heightening concerns about underage drinking in the community.
On October 12, 2023, authorities arrested Tran, 51, on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and providing alcohol to individuals under 21. Police responded to her home on Chestnut Avenue shortly after midnight on October 11, following reports of children “falling down drunk” at the party. The situation escalated when a young girl was found unresponsive, leading to her hospitalization.
Despite the alarming circumstances, prosecutors announced on Monday that they will not charge Tran, citing that “evidence at trial will not overcome one or more affirmative defenses.” This decision has raised questions about accountability in such serious matters.
According to the police reports, Tran admitted she was hosting an event for children from her son’s school, but other minors from different schools attended without her prior knowledge. Officers discovered empty containers of alcoholic beverages, including High Noon and Smirnoff, indicating excessive drinking had occurred.
Witnesses reported that the girl had “passed out” from consuming alcohol and was later found in an upstairs bedroom. Tran called the girl’s mother after ensuring she was breathing, but it was her mother who ultimately called 911 when the situation worsened. Upon arrival at the hospital, the girl was vomiting and barely coherent, raising serious health concerns.
The girl’s mother, while present during the police investigation, expressed that she did not wish to press charges against Tran. However, she noted that Tran initially hesitated to call for emergency assistance, a detail that has not gone unnoticed.
Tran, whose medical practice focuses on ear, nose, and throat diseases, is associated with AdventHealth. This incident highlights the pressing issues surrounding parental responsibility and the safety of minors at social gatherings.
As the community processes this shocking news, residents are left to ponder the implications of this case. With the prosecutor’s decision to drop charges, many are calling for further discussions about underage drinking and the responsibilities of adults hosting such events.
What’s next? The Winter Park community is likely to remain vigilant as they reflect on this incident. Local officials may consider new measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of minors in social environments.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on social media about the responsibility of adults in preventing underage drinking.
