Update: Poway Checkpoint Part of DUI Crackdown

Updated Monday, 2:25 p.m.

The California Highway Patrol issued warnings that they would be on the lookout for drivers that have had too much to drink, but not everyone took their advice. DUI arrests are up significantly from this time last year, both statewide and in Southern California.

CHP officers arrested 889 drivers statewide for suspicion of DUI between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday. Last year the CHP arrested 658 drivers during the same time span.

In San Diego County, 56 drivers have been arrested for suspicion of DUI, compared to 33 last year, and 53 arrests were reported in Orange County, up from 33 last year. The figures only reflect arrests made by CHP officers.  

Eight people were killed on California roadways during the 60-hour time span, with two deaths reported in San Diego County and none in Orange County.   

In Poway four drivers were arrested by sheriff’s deputies Friday night conducting a saturation patrol that accompanied a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint on Espola Road at Valle Verde.

The checkpoint operated between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. and resulted in one arrest for a minor suspected of driving under the influence, according to Lt. Jose Sanchez. Approximately 1,069 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and all drivers were contacted by a deputy looking for signs of impairment. Forty-six drivers were sent to a secondary-inspection area, where eight field sobriety tests were given.

Deputies made one arrest for possession of a controlled substance, one arrest for possession of marijuana and two arrests for driving on a suspended license for a prior DUI conviction.

Four citations were issued for driving with a suspended license and five vehicles were towed. 

This article will be updated throughout the weekend.