Cathedral City DUI Checkpoint Operation: 11 Drivers Cited

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — The Cathedral City Police Department announced Tuesday that five drivers were arrested and 11 were cited during a DUI checkpoint over the weekend.

The checkpoint was conducted from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on northbound Date Palm Drive near Victoria Drive, according to CCPD Sgt. Jeffrey Barnett. Of the 1,075 vehicles that went through the checkpoint, 569 were screened.

By the end, three people were arrested for driving under the influence and one each were arrested for driving with a suspended license and concealed possession of a firearm, Barnett said. Additionally, 11 drivers were cited on suspicion of driving without a license and one vehicle was towed.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Police Chief George Crum said in a statement. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety."

Barnett said impaired driving also includes marijuana, some prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs that could interfere with driving. A first-time DUI charge could cost drivers about $13,500 in fines and penalties, and impaired drivers could also have their license suspended.