Friday Night Checkpoint Nets 2 Suspected DUI Arrests

Out of 238 drivers screened, the made two arrests for suspicion of drunken driving and issued four citations for unlicensed driving at a sobriety and registration checkpoint March 16-17.

Police set up the grant-funded checkpoint at 1000 Sunset Parkway near San Jose Middle School from 7 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. Officers conducted 41 field sobriety tests; one citation was issued to a driver with a suspended license and three vehicles were towed. In addition, officers cited 10 drivers for moving violations or other infractions.

Sgt. Oliver Collins said the checkpoints are an effective enforcement tool in reducing the number of people killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes. The officers checked for impairment and proper licensing but try to keep the stoppage time to a minimum. The checkpoint was funded by the state Office of Traffic Safety.

Collins said 37 DUI crashes have killed one and resulted in 42 injuries in Novato over the past three years.

Drivers are urged to report suspected drunken drivers by calling 911.