OVI Checkpoint In Solon Stops Nearly 550 Cars

SOLON, OH — The Solon Police conducted a sobriety checkpoint during the long Memorial Day weekend. Officers stopped 548 vehicles on May 26, but made no arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence. However, five vehicles were diverted and one driver was arrested.

The driver had two outstanding warrants with Solon Police and he was also cited for possession of marijuana, open container, and driving under suspension. Another driver was cited for underage possession of alcohol, and suspicious pills were seized and sent to BCI for testing. A third driver was cited for possession of marijuana and then released.

“Because impaired driving accounts for so many of our region’s traffic safety deaths, it is imperative that we find ways to keep impaired drivers off the roadways and to convince those who’ve been drinking not to get behind the wheel in the first place,” Ptl. Roy Cunningham said in a statement prior to the checkpoint.

Ohio has struggled to contain alcohol-related crashes. In 2016, there were 12,243 alcohol-related crashes throughout the Buckeye State. Those crashes led to 346 deaths and 7,199 injuries.

“Highly visible and well publicized checkpoints are an important part of the equation because they increase the perceived risk of arrest and make people think twice about drinking and driving,” explains Ptl. Cunningham. “We want the public to know where we are, and we want those who read about the checkpoint to tell everyone they know that we’re cracking down on impaired driving in the City because we want everyone on our roadways to be safe.”

The Solon Police Department also released a list of tips for drivers during the Memorial Day weekend. If you're planning on going out and partying, remember these tips:

• designate a driver
• call a cab
• stay at your home or a hotel
• call a friend or family member

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