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Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said he and members of the town’s substance abuse task force — the BAY Team — are worried about an apparent increase in underage drinking incidents.

Chief LaCross said a 15-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital early Friday morning, Aug. 2, after she apparently downed a large amount of vodka and became violently ill.

“This was the third juvenile who has consumed an amount of alcohol where they had to be brought to the hospital,” the chief said, referring to two prior incidents involving teenagers in Barrington.

“We need the help and cooperation of the parents of these juveniles, to find out who purchased that alcohol ... and hold them accountable. It’s all about preventing tragedies.”

According to police, a 15-year-old Barrington girl and a 16-year-old Barrington boy met up with four friends in a wooded area behind Primrose Hill School. Some of their friends reportedly had water bottles filled with vodka and shared the drinks with the two teens. The boy told police he drank a small amount, while the girl drank much more and grew violently ill.

Later that night while the 15-year-old and 16-year-old were at the boy’s house, the girl again became violently ill and then grew completely unresponsive. The boy told his mother, who called for an ambulance.

Police charged both teenagers with possession/consumption of alcohol on public property and underage possession and consumption of alcohol. They will likely be referred to the town’s juvenile hearing board.

Police are looking for information about the individual who gave or sold the alcohol to the minors. Anyone with information should call 437-3933.

“The goal is to save lives. If we don’t get the cooperation, these kids will continue to purchase alcohol and give it to the kids who are younger than them,” said the chief.