44 Citations Issued At DUI Checkpoint In Lake Elsinore

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A DUI checkpoint held Friday night in Lake Elsinore netted 44 citations for various offenses, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station reported.

The "Driving Under the Influence/Driver’s License Checkpoint" was held on Riverside Drive at Lakeside High School between 8 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday. During that time, 1,231 vehicles were stopped.

According to the sheriff's department, among the 44 citations issued were five for unlicensed drivers and four for suspended license. Two people were arrested for driving under the influence; a stolen gun was recovered; five misdemeanor warrants were served; and nine vehicles were towed, the sheriff's department reported.

The checkpoint location was chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests, according to the department.

"The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired," the department said.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, according to the department.