A bartender has been criminally charged following a single-vehicle collision in Macon County.
On Thursday October 20, 2023, Highlands Police Department notified ALE of a single-vehicle collision involving an underage driver and three other passengers. Three individuals were taken to area hospitals, while one passenger was airlifted for medical treatment due to their injuries.
Through the course of the ALE investigation, special agents verified the driver purchased numerous mixed beverages from 4118 Kitchen and Bar, located at 64 Highlands Plaza, Highlands, NC prior to the crash.
The following subjects have been charged by ALE in relation to the 4118 Kitchen and Bar case:
The bartender, Ryan Patrick Henry, 41, of Cashiers failed to verify the age of the underage individual. ALE cited Henry for selling alcohol to someone under the age of 21 and one count of allowing violations to occur at an ABC-licensed business.
The driver, Steijn Pieter Drijver, 19, of Highlands with purchase alcohol underage and consume alcohol underage by ALE. Additionally, Highlands Police Department also charged Drijver, with Driving While Impaired, two counts of Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle, and Reckless Driving.
Rasheem Tyshane McKenzie, 20, of Highlands with purchase alcohol underage and consume alcohol underage.
"It is paramount that law enforcement agencies maintain cohesive relationships with other agencies. ALE was instrumental in gathering additional information which helped complete the timeline leading up to the accident. We would like to thank ALE for joining our quest to keep Highlands safe", said Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland.
ALE will submit violation reports to the ABC Commission documenting the investigative findings. The ABC Commission may choose to sanction 4118 Kitchen and Bar through a fine, suspension, or revocation of the business’ ABC permits.
This is an on-going investigation.
About ALE:
ALE’s 111 specially trained agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action throughout North Carolina. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control, tobacco, state lottery and gambling laws.
###