5 Arrested, Dozens Given Citations At Lake Elsinore Checkpoint

LAKE ELSINORE, CA -- Five people, including one person for alleged possession of illegal drugs, were arrested last weekend during a checkpoint in Lake Elsinore. The checkpoint took place from 7 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday at Railroad Canyon and Church, according to the Lake Elsinore Police Department.

More than 1,200 cars were screened at the checkpoint. Three drivers were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, one was arrested for other criminal charges and 13 drivers were either arrested or cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked. Another 30 citations were issued for various reasons, the Police Department said.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol, the Police Department said.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

Lake Elsinore officers will conduct another DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday.

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