Pacific Beach, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Encinitas had DUI checkpoints set up over the weekend. Fourteen drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, according to 10news.com.
A Pacific Beach DUI checkpoint was conducted by San Diego Police in the 1600 block of Garnet Avenue on Friday night from 10:15pm until approximately 2:00am. Ten people were cited for alleged drunken driving.
Chula Vista’s sobriety checkpoint was held on North Fourth Street from 7pm until midnight on Friday. One person was arrested on suspected drunk driving charges.
The Imperial Beach drunk driving roadblock resulted in one DUI arrest by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. The IB checkpoint was conducted in the 1000 block of Palm Avenue on Friday night from 8:00pm until 2:30am.
Encinitas also had a DUI roadblock that was conducted by the San Diego Sheriff’s on Saturday night through early Sunday morning. Six hundred cars went through the checkpoint in the 1700 block of South El Camino Real, and only two were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence.
Even with all DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols that law enforcement conducts during the holiday weeks, some people continue to drink and drive throughout San Diego County. Drunk driving is suspected in an incident that occurred in Lemon Grove on Friday at 5:45pm, where two people were killed in a fiery crash on southbound 125 just south of I-8.
Lemon Grove resident, Justin Foulds, 39, was heading home from a work Christmas party driving his Chevrolet Silverado. He side swiped a car and then struck a Nissan Pathfinder from behind which immediately caused a fire and possible explosion. The Pathfinder was being driven by Celia Torres, 73. She was in the vehicle with her grandson, David Gonzalez, 16, on their way to a dentist appointment in Tijuana. Both died at the scene.
DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter are some of the charges that Foulds could face after being arrested by the California Highway Patrol. His bail is currently set at $500,000.
Before heading out to celebrate for the holidays, have a plan on how you will stay safe, avoid the possibility of being arrested for drunk driving, and keep San Diego citizens safe. Pack a bag and plan on staying at the home of the party host. Designate a driver to remain sober and be responsible to drive you home. Save a San Diego taxi company’s telephone number in your phone and use it. Use public transportation or call a sober friend or family member for a ride.
If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI, seek to hire a DUI defense attorney who exclusively deals with drunk driving matters. The Law Offices of Susan L. Hartman works to minimize the negative consequences of a DUI arrest. Call 619-260-1122 today or fill out the “Contact Us” form on this page for a free telephone consultation.