Officers arrested one individual for driving under the influence of alcohol during a checkpoint that was operated and monitored by the San Marino Police Department in the eastbound lanes of the 1700 block of Huntington Drive from 8 p.m., April 23, until 2 a.m., April 24.
Two drivers were cited for operating a vehicle while unlicensed or with a suspended or revoked license and six were ticketed for other traffic-related violations.
During the checkpoint, officers looked for signs that drivers were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and also checked to see they were in possession of a current driver’s license.
San Marino Police Chief John Incontro, who was present during the majority of the exercise, said the operation was “successful.”
“It was the first one we have held and there will be a learning curve,” Incontro said. “We are looking to do it again in the future. We want to make sure our streets are safe and this type of exercise can have a direct impact.”
The SMPD hosted two officers from the Vernon Police Department, who participated in the checkpoint. Two SMPD officers had served during a checkpoint in Vernon a last month to train for the event in San Marino.
“They were very good resources for us,” Incontro said.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, according to the SMPD. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking drivers who are suspected of impairment off the roads.
Funding for San Marino’s checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Incontro said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”
The SMPD added that impaired driving is not just from alcohol.
“Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving,” said Commander Aaron Blondé. “Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or ‘operating heavy machinery,’ which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
“We also support the assistance we received from Mothers Against Drunk Driving,” Blondé added. “Our SMPD staff also helped make sure this operation was safe and successful.”
