DUI Checkpoint Set Up Near Lake Pleasant

PEORIA - A DUI checkpoint is in place outside the Lake Pleasant entrance on Castle Hot Springs Rd for Memorial Day.

The Peoria Police Department and the West Valley DUI Task Force will be holding their 4th annual DUI checkpoint, from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday.

All vehicles heading through the checkpoint are stopped. If the officer detects any signs of impairment in the driver, further investigation is conducted.

Police are trying to catch motorists who are driving impaired, aiming to reduce alcohol-related collisions.

"This isn't about surprising people, it's really not about catching people for drinking and driving. We place way more emphasis on deterring the drinking and driving. And that's why if we arrest nobody today, we're going to be good," says Peoria Police Sgt. Russ Scarborough.

On average, they stop about 1,000 vehicles. This year, fewer cars were on the road than last year.

There will also be roving patrols in the area, including on SR 74.

Last year officers arrested 150 people for DUI. This year, only 5 people were arrested. Mike Tellef, spokesperson for Peoria Police & Fire, said, "Sounds like they heard the message."