Chula Vista Police Officers arrested two drivers during a Driving Under the Influence checkpoint on Friday as New Year celebrations ramped up throughout the city.
One driver is suspected of driving under the influence of an illegal drug and the other is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol during a checkpoint in the 300 block of East H Street, according to CVPD Sgt. Anthony Molina. The checkpoint took place from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, and it was one of many conducted throughout the county during the holiday weekend.
There were 3,664 vehicles that passed through the checkpoint in Chula Vista, and 952 were screened, according to Sgt.Molina. Officers administered field sobriety tests to nine drivers.
Officers issued 11 unlicensed or suspected license citations, eight vehicles were impounded and five additional citations were issued.
The department's next DUI checkpoint was set to be held in February.
The California Highway Patrol initiated its New Year's "maximum enforcement period'' at 6 p.m. Friday to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic violators throughout the state, including San Diego County. The campaign is set to end on Monday night.
"Every year, people's lives are impacted forever by making the decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence,'' CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. "Driving impaired is never worth it and certainly not the way to ring in the New Year. Always designate a sober driver.''
According to CHP., the 2021-22 New Year's MEP netted 495 arrests statewide, compared to 709 arrests during the 2020-21 campaign.
The agency said 29 people died in crashes investigated by the agency during last year's campaign. Additionally, the CHP issued more than 2,300 citations for speeding and 26 citations for seat belt violations during the same time period.
