Underage alcohol-buying sting nets one in Sebastopol

<p>Teens working with Sebastopol police attempted to get people to buy them alcohol in town Saturday night and in 22 attempts they had one person agree.</p><p>Officers arrested Ricardo Herrera Hernandez, 21, of Sebastopol, on suspicion he provided alcohol to a minor, a misdemeanor crime, reported Officer Dennis Colthurst.</p><p>The teens also tried to buy alcohol themselves at five businesses but were turned down each time, Colthurst said.</p><p>Officers conducted the operation Saturday night from 5 -8:30 p.m. </p><p>The teens approached people at six locations as they approached the business, telling customers they were under 21 years and hoped the person would buy them some alcohol, Colthurst said.</p><p>At the 7-Eleven store on Pleasant Hill Avenue, Hernandez agreed and they gave him money. The young man bought them each a 24-ounce can of beer, Colthurst said.</p><p>Officers arrested him nearby. They cited him and released him to appear in court on an appointed date.</p><p>The effort was funded by a state grant aimed at reducing teen access to alcohol.</p>