Huntersville Teen Accused Of Alcohol-Related Offenses Gets Ankle Monitor

Huntersville teen Ryan Pittsonberger has new restrictions on what he can do after a judge gave him tougher bond restrictions after his third alcohol-related arrest.

Pittsonberger, 18, was arrested a week ago for having beer in his car when police pulled him over for not wearing his seatbelt.

Now he has to wear a special bracelet that monitors if he has any alcohol in his system.

He also can't drive a motor vehicle, and he must get a monthly drug test.

All this comes two years ago this month since his friend Michael Duni died from alcohol poisoning at Pittsonberger’s home.

“They start drinking and they don't know how to stop, and they end up doing dangerous things," said Karen Simon, director of Substance Abuse Prevention Services.

Simon is bothered by recent new of teens abusing alcohol.

Just last week Charlotte teen Brock Franklin was sentenced for a drunken driving crash that killed two people.

The judge in that case cited Pittsonberger’s arrest as another example of teens not understanding the dangers of alcohol.

According to a recent youth drug survey, 70 percent of teens get their alcohol from their home, and 16 percent get it directly from their parents. Only 4 percent actually have to go out and buy it.

Meaning a teenager's trouble, is really a parent's problem.

“Any underage drinking is dangerous drinking,” Simon said.

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