The Antelope Valley Times

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CHP on DUI patrol for New Years Eve, results from Christmas holiday crackdown

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ANTELOPE VALLEY – The California Highway Patrol will be deploying all available officers for their Maximum Enforcement Period during the New Year’s holiday weekend, which began at 6 p.m. Friday and continues until midnight on Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

During this Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), officers will be out in force cracking down on impaired drivers and other law breakers.

“Hopefully with the presence of additional officers on the roadway during the holiday season, everyone will arrive safely at their destination,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow in a news release.

CHP’s most recent maximum enforcement effort was conducted over the Christmas holiday period, which ran from Friday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. to Tuesday, Dec. 25 at 11:59 p.m.

During this period, 39 people were killed in collisions in CHP jurisdictions. CHP officers arrested 1,170 drivers for DUI statewide and 277 people for DUI in Los Angeles County.

In the Antelope Valley area, CHP officers arrested 17 drivers for DUI during the Christmas holiday period, officials said.

The following is a list of only those alleged DUI drivers that were arrested by CHP officers and booked into the Lancaster or Palmdale Sheriff’s Stations during the Christmas holiday maximum enforcement period:

Ronald Ray Ziegler Jr., 32, Male, White of Lancaster
Arrested 2:20 a.m., on 12-21-2012 at Avenue K15 east of 10th St West

Jonathan Howard Fritz, 40, Male, White of Canoga Park
Arrested 9:34 p.m., on 12-21-2012 at SR SR14 north of Crown Valley

Jonathan Herrera, 26, Male, Hispanic of Lancaster
Arrested 2:05 a.m., on 12-22-2012 at 30th St West north of Ave L

Rogelio Casillas, 45, Male, Hispanic of Lancaster
Arrested 5:25 p.m., on 12-22-2012 at 20th St E and Ave H8, Lancaster

Lorena Leonor Quinones, 53, Female, Hispanic of Lancaster
Arrested 7:25 p.m., on 12-22-2012 at 27th St E and Ave J, Lancaster

Eric Williams, 50, Male, Black of Lancaster
Arrested 11:56 p.m., on 12-22-2012 at NB SR 14 Avenue K off ramp

Curtis Mahipono Alexander, 25, Male, Other race of Lancaster
Arrested 12:20 a.m., on 12-24-2012 20th St West at Ave J

Nicholas Ruiz, 22, Male, White of Lancaster
Arrested 2:22 a.m., on 12-24-2012 at 10th St West north of Lancaster Blvd

Heather Elizabeth Bryce, 30, Female, White of El Cajon, CA
Arrested 11:10 p.m., on 12-24-2012 at 170th St E Palmdale

Miguel Bernalcobo, 23, Male, Hispanic of Lancaster
Arrested 12:59 a.m., on 12-25-2012 at 836 West Avenue H4

Joseph Lewis, 50, Male, Black of Los Angeles
Arrested 2:05 p.m., on 12-25-2012 at Sierra Hwy north of Barrels Spring

Vincent Phillip Campbell, 35, Male, White of Canyon Country
Arrested 11:45 p.m., on 12-25-2012 at Avenue N east of 20th St West

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

53 comments for "CHP on DUI patrol for New Years Eve, results from Christmas holiday crackdown"

  1. ** Seen on another website **

    A good reminder for the Holidays:

    At this time of the year, when the roadblocks come up with great regularity, I would like to share a personal experience about drinking and driving. As you well know, some of us have been known to have had brushes with the authorities on our way home from an occasional social session over the years.

    A couple of nights ago, I was out for an evening with friends and had a couple of cocktails and some rather nice red wine. Knowing full well I may have been slightly over the limit, I did something I’ve never done before – I took a cab home. Sure enough, I passed a police road block but, since it was a cab, they waved it past.

    I arrived home safely without incident, which was a real surprise, as I have never driven a cab before and am not sure where I got it or what to do with it now that it’s in my garage.

    HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

  3. Since drunk driving kills and injures so many people, what if all cars were mandated to have some kind of blood alcohol analyzer before they can be started? The ones that convicted drunk drivers have in their cars only are installed after the fact of drunk driving. Not good enough.

    Many safety features have been added to cars that save far fewer lives and injuries than drunk driving causes, I suspect. So, why not such a universal device?

    Taking car keys and other preventative measures are fine and well-intentioned but still many drunk drivers escape notice or close monitoring. The driver who crashed the car Princess Diana was in had a blood alcohol over the limit. Airline pilots and people with commercial driver’s licenses have driven drunk, so a lot of people are not caught in time for whatever reasons.

    Plus, an alcoholic who can really ‘hold his/her liquor’ may not ‘act’ drunk but still be impaired behind the wheel and, so, might go unnoticed by friends or a bartender or a fellow senator.

    • No way….why add more $$$$$$ to a car for the cost of the ignition interlock device plus monthly maintenance. YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!!!

      • @Otto, You took the bait. I knew that the gun nuts who cross their legs every time new gun legislation is proposed would rear up on their hinds legs at the suggestion of a device that would save thousands (1,000s) of lives each year.

        Same mentality. Same dysfunction.

        We spent trillions on wars because 3,000 lives were lost on 9/11 and you’re bitching about some extra $$$$s on you new car. I’m wondering if it’s really the money or do you drink and drive yourself?

        No, I’m not kidding.

        • Ok William. Why stop there if you really want to save lives for some extra dollars. How about raising taxes a bit so we can affort to post a cop at every bar to test all the parton/drivers before they hit the road? That’s your mentality, right? What’s a few extra bucks here and there. No big deal, as long as the government is watching out for us, right?

          Some people will always drink and drive, and there’s not much more that can be done about it. On the other hand, if some foreign stone-aged idiots attack America, there’s plenty we can do about it.

        • Ok William. Why stop there if you really want to save lives for some extra dollars. How about raising taxes a bit so we can affort to post a cop at every bar to test all the parton/drivers before they hit the road? That’s your mentality, right? What’s a few extra bucks here and there. No big deal, as long as the government is watching out for us, right?

          Some people will always drink and drive, and there’s not much more that can be done about it. On the other hand, if some foreign stone-aged 1diots attack America, there’s plenty we can do about it.

          • [Removed]

            If I were to have to pay extra on a new car to include such a device, I’m actually getting a greater benefit because others are having to do the same and will help prevent drunk drivers from hiting me.

            But, you are so pathetically short-sighted, you only think of your money.

            Do you drink a few beers and then drive? You didn’t answer and something tells me you do.

          • @Otto. So, the drinkers on this site don’t like my idea.

            That’s to be expected, isn’t it. I’m sure it’s more about their own drinking then the extra cost.

          • There you go again…assuming that all dislikers are drunks. You know what happens when you assume, William….right?

          • There are going to be undercover cops stationed @ the bars tonight – so party people beware. Homestead party’s are the answer, along with plenty of room for overnight guests.

      • With the ignition interlock device, the driver also has to pull over and do a blow test every 15 minutes according to their website.

        • @Mrs. M. I purposely didn’t call it the conventional interlock system because I was thinking of possible devices in the future that would be much more inconspicuous and convenient the way we now use seat-belts automatically.

          When seat-belts with shoulder harnesses first came out in the 70s with ignition interlocks people complained and complained but finally got used to them and now it’s just a chime when you start the car if not belted.

          My point is that the current ways of discouraging or preventing drunk driving isn’t sufficient to the problem and the cost in lives. They shouldn’t be abandoned but more universal systems need to be put in place. Like I wrote earlier, a first time drunk driver will not have an interlock device and it might be his last drive or someone else’s.

          This is a big enough problem that it needs comprehensive solutions, mainly by the government, since these voluntary efforst won’t accomplish as much as is needed.

          • Sorry, William, my response was @Otto, and should have been clearer. Agreed, the current ways to discourage or prevent drunk driving are not sufficient. As you say, more universal systems need to be put in place. Hopefully a solution will be found soon.

            My opinion only, the penalties for drunk driving are not stiff enough. Some countries have much harsher penalties. You can be banned from driving, not just suspended. But maybe that’s part of the problem, not enough penalty. I’ve often thought that a drunk driver should also take a trip to the morgue and get acquainted with a victim. But that’s just me.

          • Mrs. M.- My point is that making millions of sober drivers pay for, and blow on this device once, or every 15 minutes, is ridiculous.

    • That’s one way to go William, I agree, something has to be done to stop people drinking then driving. If it’s a system like what you stated or something else. I don’t know what the answer is.
      If something like the lock out system was installed on that woman’s car then maybe that would have stopped her from killing my son and 3 others that night.
      Laws only apply after a death/injury. No matter what the laws are, they will still drink and drive. Something needs to be done BEFORE the death/injury.
      We have lost too many to this senseless act.

      • Sorry about your tragic loss. The people who rejected my suggestion out of hand don’t seem to realize that the extra expense or inconvenience benefits them because it helps prevent others from driving drunk.

    • Well that would take care of the boozers but I have serious concerns about the stoners and prescription drug users high on ativan, Norco,oxy and any number of other concoctions used to alter consciousness these days.

    • I did to be sure. It doesn’t apply here.

      Forewarned asked

      “Why do people still insist on getting behind the wheel of a car after they’ve been drinking?!” It begged for an answer. I answered it.

      then,

      “How hard is it to CALL A FRIEND/RELATIVE or CAB?!” I answered it.

      Yet, she still doesn’t get it. Yes, they were silly, useless questions because alcoholics will not respond to those questions and what use are they to the rest of use who know the answers?

      “Why do teachers insist on writing on the blackboard?” Is that a rhetorical question? Sheesh.

  5. No excuses. Don’t drink and drive – and don’t ride with anyone who does. TIPSY TOW is offered by The Auto Club. You don’t have to be a AAA member, from 6pm – 6am New Years Eve/Day they will take your intoxicated self and your car home for FREE. The number to call is 1-800-222-4357. It could save your life and someone else’s.

    • Agree! However, to some know it all on here, drinking alcohol impairs their judgement so much that they don’t have any sense to call a friend let alone Tipsy Tow. But good to know.

      • If Forewarned just ‘can’t get it’ that people who’ve had too much to drink no longer have the good judgement to call a cab, how does she expect the person who’s had too much to drink to do that, for crying out loud?

        She expects a drunk person to be smarter than she is. Wow! Just Wow!

        • The message isn’t just for drunk people. Anyone, a friend, a bartender, whoever can call, if they know someone too drunk to drive. There are people who are functional at .08 BAC and know it’s too much for driving. BUT they are able to make a phone call. In case you didn’t know, .08 BAC is only 6 beers for a 200lb man over a 3 hour period.

          • Try to reason with the person and if they will not give you the car keys tell them you are calling the police. Then call! Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. They also don’t let strangers drive drunk because they might hit and kill their friends.

          • @Mrs M thank you for making my point for me! My stalker friend has to twist my words so they can feel like their superior. My father-in-law was killed a few years ago by a drunk driver who had “only” a few drinks but it was enough to consider it illegal. So I am very sensitive to drinking while driving EVEN if it’s “only” a few drinks.

          • As a former bartender, I’ve called quite a few cabs and quite a few friends/family for my “I’m not drunk, just a little tipsy, I’m FINE” customers.

          • @MrsM & Mick…thank you! My stalker friend thinks ” I don’t get it”. However, you two did get my sarcasm. My question WAS a rhtorical question and it seems everybody understood it that way EXCEPT my stalker friend. I guess the old saying is true…”There’s no fool like an old fool”. Now everybody drive safe tonight AND don’t drink and drive!

      • Liz: Absolutely true, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

        Mick: Glad to know you were watching out for someone.

        Forewarned: My condolences about your father in law.

        William: like I told my ex-husband – BUGGER OFF.

        • Thanks Mrs. M
          It was part of my job as a bartender. I was responsible for their actions, I served them alcohol which impaired them. I drove a few home myself when necessary. It’s what you do if you have a conscience, morals and a sense of what’s right.

        • Thank you MrsM! I guess it’s my stalker friend who “just doesn’t get it”. Happy New Years!

    • Sorry, Mrs. M, but AAA’s website gives a different number for people to call if they need this service. Per the AAA website:

      “Tipsy Tow service provides a complimentary ride and vehicle tow up to seven miles from the point of pickup to drivers who have consumed alcohol on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. Tipsy Tow service is available to members and non-members. Ask for a Tipsy Tow by calling 1-800-400-4222.”

        • No worries, Mrs. M. Your posting it in the first place shows your goodwill and your ready acceptance of correcting the accidental error shows that you are truly more concerned with helping than self aggrandizement.

          May your new year be blessed. :-)

          • The number I posted is for Roadside Assistance, a caller would have had a possible long wait only to find they would be redirected to another number for Tipsy Tow. So that was a great catch.

            May your New Year be blessed also – and safe.

  6. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! .08% Can be a shot of booze, and that can cost you over $5,000.00, and some time.

  7. Why do people still insist on getting behind the wheel of a car after they’ve been drinking?! How hard is it to CALL A FRIEND/RELATIVE or CAB?!

    • Because drinking alcohol impairs their judgement. Studies show that drivers who have had alcohol think they are driving better than they are as they knock over the cones on an obstacle course.

      And, if you’re an alcoholic, you are likely in denial, and so you proceed to drink without having first considered whether you should drive home afterward and once drunk, your judgement is impaired.

      Now, do you understand? This is common knowledge.

        • You are correct NIMBY. Don’t bother with the old guy. By the looks of his “unlikes” he enjoys making a fool of himself.

          • Forewarned thinks that my enormous quantity of [Dislikes] signifies something.

            I must remind her that Nate Silver, who predicted the election results the most accurately was mocked and dismissed by the Fox News cretins whose every word Forewarned believes. So, it’s likely that the dislikes are from people like Forewarned and that says a lot.

            BTW Fox’s ‘Newswatch’ program this weekend, while summarizing the year’s goofs and gaffes neglected their own Karl Rove and Dick Morris who were so wrong about the election that Roger Ailes said they couldn’t appear any more without prior approval.

            So, I delight in my [Dislikes] because I’m guessing that others like myself, ‘peek’ at the hidden comments and replies to see what’s up.

        • Really? It sounded as though she was asking a question that she didn’t know the answer to. I gave her the answer and still she doesn’t know.

          What to do with people like that? And, she calls me a fool because people like her dislike my comments.

          She dislike the President of the United States who was recently re-elected so I’m in good company.

      • Considering how effective MADD has been, we now need to organize MAIGO: Mothers Against Insane Gun Owners.

        There are many gun addicts out there in denial that Guns Kill People.

  8. Great Job CHP! Thank you for keeping the AV as safe as you possibly can. Stay safe and more power to you all.

    • I guess you really are D&D. More power to CHP? If you want to live in a police state go more to China with REXY POO.

      • Until a car driven by an intoxicated individual t-bones and kills a loved one of yours. Then let me guess, the CHP didn’t do enough?