Cop Shop

by Guest
in News
— 5 Sep, 2014

Labor Day weekend sees rise in Bridgeport area DUI arrests

California Highway Patrol (CHP) Bridgeport Area officers participated in a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) over the Labor Day Holiday weekend. The MEP began Friday, August 29, at 6:00 p.m., and continued through Monday, September 1, at 11:59 p.m.

During this period, CHP Bridgeport officers arrested four drivers for driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, while statewide officers arrested 1,168 drivers for DUI. There were 45 fewer DUI arrests made this year compared to the same weekend in 2013.

While statewide arrests were down, CHP Bridgeport Area arrests were double that of last Labor Day weekend. The arrests are notable in that each driver’s preliminary blood alcohol content was very high.

Three of the drivers that were arrested were apprehended because motorists driving in Mono County called the CHP using 9-1-1 to report the suspected DUI drivers. Those citizens were concerned enough to call 9-1-1 and may have helped save someone’s life.

Driver arrested for double legal blood alcohol content

On August 29, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a California Highway Patrol Bridgeport Area officer observed a white Chevrolet Monte Carlo traveling southbound US-395, north of the United States Marine Corps housing area. The officer noted the Chevrolet was weaving, traveling on the rumble strips for extended periods and exceeding the posted speed limit.

The officer made an enforcement stop and contacted the driver, Ms. Rachelle Hernandez, age 29, of Schurz, Nevada. The officer noted symptoms of intoxication and conducted a driving under the influence investigation. During the investigation, a preliminary alcohol screening device was used which yielded a blood alcohol content of .15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit. Ms. Hernandez was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence and served with a DMV notice of suspension. Ms. Hernandez was transported to the Mono County Jail in Bridgeport, where she was booked. The Chevrolet was towed from the scene for safe keeping.