Corpus Christi using bounty to curb underage drinking

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX -- The tourist season now under way in Corpus Christi with spring break includes an incentive designed to discourage underage drinking.

The Texas Gulf Coast city's Crime Stoppers group is offering a chance for people to collect a $250 bounty if police make a drinking bust based on a phone call reporting suspected illegal alcohol use by teenagers.

Police Senior Capt. Kirk Stowers tells the Corpus Christi Caller-Times the program already has resulted in authorities stopping minors drinking at a house party.

Stowers also says extra officers are on patrol in the popular spring break area looking for intoxicated drivers.

Nueces County District Attorney Mark Skurka says a phlebotomist is assigned at the city's detention center from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily to assist with investigations.