Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Law Enforcement:

Departments out in force this weekend to catch drunken drivers

DUI enforcement

Jackie Valley

Local law enforcement agencies on Thursday announced plans for four DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Labor Day weekend.

Law enforcers will be swarming Las Vegas Valley roadways this Labor Day weekend, hoping to nab drunken drivers before a tragedy occurs.

The Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas police departments will conduct saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints starting Friday, authorities announced today.

Police will operate DUI checkpoints from 7 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday at the following locations:

• Boulder Highway and Flamingo Road in Las Vegas

• Martin Luther King Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue in North Las Vegas

• St. Rose Parkway, west of Eastern Avenue, in Henderson

A fourth DUI checkpoint will be conducted from 7 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday, but that location has not yet been determined, North Las Vegas Police spokeswoman Chrissie Coon said.

“We want people to enjoy (Labor Day) and spend a long weekend with family and friends,” Metro Police Sgt. Todd Raybuck said. “However, those people who drink and make the bad choice of getting behind the wheel will have a high likelihood of going to jail.”

Authorities have arrested more than 4,000 suspected drunken drivers this year in Southern Nevada, Raybuck said. Alcohol-related crashes have claimed the lives of 35 people this year in Nevada, he said.

Police advise people to plan ahead if drinking alcohol by choosing a non-drinking designated driver, calling a cab or renting a nearby hotel room.

Most cab rides to various ends of the valley cost $40 to $60, NHP Sgt. Kevin Honea said.

“Our message is very simple,” Raybuck said. “If you don’t stop yourself from drinking and driving, we will.”

A Joining Forces grant from the Nevada Department of Public Safety is helping fund the saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints.

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