Weekend DUI Checkpoint Results in Arrests, Vehicle Impounds and Citations

On Saturday, August 28, 2010, the Long Beach Police Department conducted a Driving Under the Influence/Drivers License checkpoint at Anaheim Street and Freeman Avenue. “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” is the campaign for 2010.

The checkpoint operated from 6:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., where officers were assisted by Long Beach Police Explorers and Long Beach Search and Rescue. During the eight-hour operation, 989 vehicles passed through the checkpoint with 361 being screened. Three people were arrested for driving under the influence, 1 person was arrested for an outstanding warrant, 2 vehicles were impounded because the drivers were unlicensed or had a suspended license, 3 vehicles were towed, and 21 drivers were issued traffic citations.

Checkpoints are a vital component in the fight against both impaired and unlicensed drivers. The average American has a 30% chance of being killed or injured by an impaired driver. Nationally, impaired driving caused by drugs and/or alcohol causes one death every 33 minutes. Sobriety checkpoints have been proven to reduce impaired driving related collisions by removing these drivers from our streets.

This operation was funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For further information, please contact Traffic Enforcement Sergeant Douglas Bender at (562) 570-5737.

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