LANCASTER – Dozens of California Highway Patrol officers saturated the streets of the Antelope Valley Saturday night as part of an Impaired Driver Task Force Operation focused on removing impaired drivers from the road.
“We’re saturating the entire Antelope Valley in our efforts to reduce the number of crashes involving DUI,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Gil Hernandez. “Our goal is to try and catch them before they crash and hurt themselves, or hurt or kill somebody else.”
The operation began a little before 9 p.m.; and at least three arrests were made within the first hour.
Just 15 minutes into the operation, officers spotted a driver weaving along the southbound 14 Freeway, just south of Avenue K.
David Morales, 56, of Palmdale, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence – his 4th DUI arrest, according to officers at the scene.
“During the investigation it was determined that Mr. Morales has three prior DUIs,” Hernandez said. “This being his fourth [DUI arrest], it’s a felony.”
Minutes later, another driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI on the 14 Freeway near Avenue M.
About 30 minutes after that, a driver was arrested down the street from the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. Paul Rivas, 35, of Quartz Hill, was arrested on suspicious of driving under the influence on Avenue H, just east of 30th Street West.
The task force wrapped the operation in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 17.
Results from Impaired Driver Task Force Operation
* 18 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
* 3 felony drug arrests
* 7 vehicles stored or impounded
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AV sucks says
Just go to Schooners and drink with the off-duty cops. DUI’s are a scam.
tell the truth says
Stocking trapping AV CHP getting people as they come out of the AV Fair!!!! That sure is easy and wrong, pat yourselves on your back CHP for destroying 17 lives and their families! What you thought it was lucky finding 17 people in one night.
DUI’s have turned into nothing but a money grab and burden on family not about saving lives. Program needs REFORM.
Sa says
And those 17 people could’ve destroyed more lives. It’s easy, don’t drink and drive. Chp didn’t “destroy” their lives. They did it to themselves for the choices they made.
U dont know says
You probably never had a DUI you don’t understand what’s going on with the system and what they are doing to people. U have to assume with your thinking that they were going to hurt or kill someone. Coffee can do the same thing. If u have one beer your DUI.
z says
THEN DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.
Joe says
That’s funny, they catch more people when they’re actually out doing their job looking for them. Not when they’re standing at a checkpoint wasting our tax money.
estrada says
I was pulled over I am guessing for suspicion of dui. But I don’t drink at all . was not bother by the cup pulling me over. He then heard my new born crying for his bottle, my 3 yr old in the back, and wife trying to keep it together in the back seat. I am glad people are bring checked. Plus the officer was very friendly and apologized for the inconvenience.
eo2 says
Wow! What a novel concept; probable cause.
Danny says
That’s funny look at the idiots (the drunks), good job!
James Stouvenel says
Good job C.H.P.
Keep them off the road.