15 DUI Arrests Made In One Weekend In The Temecula Valley

TEMECULA, CA — More than a dozen people were arrested over the weekend in the Temecula Valley on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, officials report. In total, there were 15 DUI-related arrests from the three local DUI/driver's license checkpoints.

There were two operations on Friday night, one in the city of Temecula and the other in the incorporated area of Southwest Riverside County.

The Temecula checkpoint was held on Old Town Front Street and Moreno Road from 8 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, officials said. Throughout the night, officials screened a total of 1,296 vehicles. Seven DUI arrests were made and another eight motorists were found to be driving without a proper license.

Also on Friday, the California Highway Patrol conducted a checkpoint over on Grand Avenue and Gregory Place in Lakeland Village, according to CHP Officer Mike Lassig. A total of 543 vehicles passed through. Three DUI arrests were ultimately made, and three other motorists received tickets for other miscellaneous offenses.

The Temecula Area CHP hosted another operation on Saturday night, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the area of Rancho California and Butterfield Stage roads, Lassig said. At that one, 513 vehicles were screened, with five DUI arrests being made. Two vehicles were impounded.

"CHP would like to remind all motorist to always designate a sober driver," Lassig said. "DUIs are 100 percent avoidable; if you drink, don’t drive."

Another DUI operation is planned in Southwest Riverside County this weekend.