Marin DUI Sting Nets 8 Arrests

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Eight people were arrested during the first weekend of a San Rafael DUI enforcement operation, police said.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and another three on suspicion of burglary, the San Rafael Police Department said.

The North Bay city’s three-week summer mobilization enforcement effort he held through to the Labor Day weekend.

The DUI suspects had blood alcohol contents ranging from 0.08 percent to 0.18 percent.

“Notable arrests included a driver already on DUI probation when they were stopped for running a stop sign,” the agency wrote on its Facebook page.

“The driver was also required to have a vehicle breathalyzer interlock device for the car they were driving, but it was missing.”

One motorist admitted to drinking 12 beers before getting behind the wheel and another driver was clocked between 40 mph to 50 mph on Second Street when they ran the red light and collided with the guardrail at the intersection with Hetherton Street (the driver initially fled from the vehicle but was apprehended a block away).

In addition to DUI patrols, officers also conducted traffic enforcement operations targeting traffic violators.

During one of the traffic stops, a vehicle with expired registration was located, which resulted in the arrest of three suspected burglary suspects. During the contact, officers located several stolen paint sprayers, power and hand tools, and evidence of stolen identification.

Officers also located narcotics in possession of one of the suspects. All three suspects were booked into the Marin County Jail on numerous charges.

The enforcement efforts are part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over summer mobilization campaign, where additional officers were on patrol throughout San Rafael to take suspected impaired drivers off the road and stop traffic violators.

SRPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, illicit drugs, and prescription and over-the-counter medications may impair driving.

As the summer mobilization effort continues, more DUI patrol and traffic enforcement operations are slated.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.