Updated Jan. 19, 10:10 a.m.–
About 700 cars were screened by Citrus Heights police during a Friday night DUI Checkpoint on Auburn Boulevard, resulting in 14 citations, 1 arrest and 6 vehicles being towed, according to police.
More than a dozen officers, including several sergeants and a lieutenant, were involved in the six-hour checkpoint operation, with officers briefly making contact with each driver passing through, and looking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment.
Officer Anthony Boehle said the Department conducts such operations six to eight times a year in an attempt to reduce DUI-related accidents, and receives funding assistance from a California Office of Traffic Safety grant.
<<See related story: “CHPD wins $182k grant for more DUI checkpoints, safety enforcement“>>
According to a press release by Sergeant Dave Gutierrez, research shows crashes involving a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol “can be reduced by up to 20 percent, when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.” The release also cited data from 2012 showing 802 deaths and almost 24,000 serious injuries in California could have been avoided by designating a sober driver.
“We really want people to take it serious,” said Officer Dave Jones, who was out checking ID’s and looking for signs of intoxication during Friday’s checkpoint. “Even just a simple mistake can cost someone their life.”
