16 Arrested At Rohnert Park Checkpoint, Police Say

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Sixteen people were arrested at a DUI/driver license checkpoint held over the weekend in Rohnert Park, police said.

The checkpoint was held from 8 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday on eastbound Rohnert Park Expressway near the SMART tracks.

Officers contacted 969 drivers as they passed 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," Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Sgt. David Sutter said. "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 are asked to pull into a screening area, Sutter said.

Of the 56 screened drivers, 12 were arrested on suspicion of operating a car unlicensed or with a suspended or revoked license, Sutter said. All the unlicensed drivers were issued citations and released and allowed to have a licensed driver pick up their car.

One of the screened drivers was evaluated for DUI and arrested; another person was arrested for having an outstanding warrant, Sutter said.

Another two drivers saw the upcoming checkpoint and made abrupt lane changes in front of patrol officers, according to police. Upon contact, both drivers displayed signs of being intoxicated, Sutter said. After a DUI investigation, the drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. They were taken to jail and their cars were towed from the scene.

"Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests," Sutter said. "The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired."

Over the last two weeks, as the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety increased patrols, 19 people have been arrested on suspicion of DUI.

"The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is committed to keeping the community safe," Sutter said.

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