3 Drivers Arrested In Menifee During DUI Patrols

MENIFEE, CA — Three people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence during a series of DUI saturation patrols conducted by the Menifee Police Department late last week.

According to the agency, three two-officer DUI enforcement teams were deployed Friday, Nov. 21; Saturday, Nov. 22; and Monday, Nov. 24, between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. Officers arrested three drivers on DUI charges, while others were stopped for various vehicle code violations and issued citations.

Menifee Police said the patrols are part of an ongoing effort to keep impaired drivers off the road.

“Driving under the influence is dangerous, illegal and puts every person on the road at risk,” Sgt. Dan Beare said in a news release. “We are out there and will not hesitate to stop drivers who drive impaired.”

A DUI conviction in California can cost drivers an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and result in a suspended license, police noted.

The department also reminded residents that impairment isn’t limited to alcohol — certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. And while marijuana is legal for medicinal and recreational use, driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal.

Menifee Police said additional DUI enforcement operations will continue throughout the year. Funding for the recent patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.