Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19th, 2021 
Contact:  Sergeant David Sutter, 707-584-2600, [email protected]

13 Arrested at Rohnert Park DUI Checkpoint
Rohnert Park, Calif. – 3 people were arrested for DUI while officers from the Department of Public Safety conducted a DUI checkpoint on December 18th, 2021.

The checkpoint was held east bound Rohnert Park Expressway near the SMART Train Tracks from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Officers contacted 969 vehicles as they drove through the checkpoint.  Contacts last a brief moment so officers can verify the driver is licensed and issue educational material consisting of the dangers of impaired and unlicensed driving.  Of the vehicles that came through, 56 were told to go to a screening area for further evaluation.  Typically, drivers who display signs of intoxication or who may not have their license in their possession will be asked to pull into a screening area. Of the 56 screened drivers, 12 were arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended or revoked license. All of the unlicensed drivers were issued citations and released. They were allowed to have a licensed driver pick up their vehicle.  One of the screened drivers was evaluated for DUI and subsequently arrested.  One individual was arrested for having an outstanding warrant.

Two drivers saw the upcoming checkpoint and made abrupt lane changes in front of patrol officers.  Upon contact, both drivers displayed signs of being intoxicated.  After a DUI investigation the drivers were arrested for driving under the influence and transported to Sonoma County Jail.  Their vehicles were towed from the scene.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
In the last two weeks, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety has increased patrols and subsequently arrested 19 people for DUI.

The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is committed to keeping the community safe.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.