Pacific Beach DUI Checkpoints Net 24 DUI Arrests

On Friday and Saturday the San Diego Police Department conducted DUI checkpoints in the 1500 block of Garnet Avenue, and in the 2600 block of Ingraham Street in Pacific Beach. The checkpoints were made possible by a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) “DUI Mini Grant.”  

The Garnet Avenue checkpoint was operational from 11:18 pm until 3:00 am. A total of 643 motorists passed through the checkpoint. And 380 of those drivers were screened by officers. 22 motorists were detained for a further evaluation of their sobriety, and 12 arrests were made for DUI in or near the checkpoint. 12 vehicles were impounded, and two people were arrested for being drunk in public.  

The Ingraham Street checkpoint was operational from 11:18 pm until 4:00 am.  731 vehicles passed through the checkpoint with 549 of those vehicles being screened by officers. 22 motorists were detained for a further evaluation of their sobriety, and 12 arrests were made for DUI in or near the checkpoint. 13 vehicles were also impounded.    

“The message is simple, Drive sober or get pulled over. Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix.  If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Officer Mark McCullough. 

Officer McCullough recommends these simple tips:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation
• Report drunk drivers - Call 911
• remember, “RUOK?” is a ridiculous question. If you think they’ve had too much to drink, they probably have.  Help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.