Just one DUI arrest from 1,550 stopped at SR checkpoint

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A DUI checkpoint in Santa Rosa produced seven arrests, dozens of citations and impounded vehicles, police said Saturday.

But of 1,550 vehicles to pass through the checkpoint on Guerneville Road in northwest Santa Rosa, only one driver was found to be over the legal blood-alcohol limit of 0.08 percent and arrested.

"That's a good sign," Sgt. Doug Schlief said Saturday. "The other good sign out of it, there were nine other people that we screened for sobriety. And all of those, although they had been drinking, were under a point-08."

The checkpoint was conducted from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Friday at Guerneville Road and Ridley Avenue.

It was another in an annual series of checkpoints across Sonoma County coordinated by 13 law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol.

The purpose is to raise awareness of drinking and driving during the holiday season and to arrest impaired drivers.

"We know going into them that they're more of an education component than enforcement," Schlief said.

The more than 1,500 vehicles stopped was a high number compared with 800 to 1,200 at most checkpoints in the county. Cars were stopped heading both east and west on Guerneville Road rather than one direction as with most checkpoints, Schlief said.

Five people were arrested on outstanding warrants. Another was arrested for possession with intent for sale of marijuana and unlawful transportation of marijuana, police said.

Twenty-six drivers were given citations for being unlicensed, and another eight received citations for driving on suspended or revoked licenses.

Another 15 drivers were issued citations for unlawful turns near the checkpoint.

Police said 32 vehicles were towed and would be impounded for 30 days because they were driven by drivers who were not licensed or had suspended licenses.

© The Press Democrat.