DUI checkpoint nabs 11 drivers

A Saturday night drunken driving checkpoint resulted in 11 DUI arrests Saturday, according to Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz.

The checkpoint took place in the southbound lanes on South Coast Highway at Three Arch Bay from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. for traffic leaving the city.

During these hours, 1,811 vehicles passed through the checkpoint. Of those, 467 vehicles were actually stopped and greeted by officers. Each motorist was given an informational brochure about the hazards associated with driving under the influence of alcohol.

The drivers were also checked for sobriety and possession of a valid driver’s license. Out of the 23 people who were given field sobriety tests, 11 were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Patrol officers not assigned to the checkpoint arrested another three impaired drivers while patrolling city streets. In addition, six individuals were issued citations for driving a vehicle without a valid license.

Arrestees were: an Arizona man at 11:44 p.m.; a Newport Beach man at 11:53 p.m.; a Laguna Niguel man at 12:03 a.m.; a Villa Park man at 12:48 a.m.; a Laguna Niguel man at 1:01 a.m.; a Yuba City resident at 1:17 a.m.; a Capistrano Beach resident at 1:29 a.m.; an Encinitas woman at 1:30 a.m.; an Aliso Viejo man at 1:38 a.m.; a Laguna Hills man at 2 a.m.; and a Dana Point man at 2:09 a.m.