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DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoints coming up this Friday night in Anaheim and in Costa Mesa

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2021) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. within the city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“These checkpoints, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, are essential to keeping the community safe,” Sgt. Dan Miles said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

“Our preference is to have zero DUI drivers on our roadways and that those who decide to drink do so responsibility by always having a designated driver,” said Chief Ron Lawrence. “DUI checkpoints are a way to educate our community and our hope is people learn to plan ahead with alternative transportation when out drinking.”

CMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:

  • Always use a designated sober driver to get home, which could be a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, a cab or public transportation.
  • If you see someone who is impaired try to drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
  • Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
  • If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
  • If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to CMPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint set for Oct. 29 in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif. (October 26, 2021) – The Anaheim Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Friday, October 29, 2021 near Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard starting at 6:00 P.M.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. As the state continues to work to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Anaheim Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our primary mission.” Traffic Sergeant Rick Boyer said. “We continue to look for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous.

The Anaheim Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Man who drank a bucket of beers before a fatal DUI in Santa Ana is convicted

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Jesus Segura Herrera, a 32-year-old man, was convicted on Monday of second-degree murder, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, driving with a blood-alcohol count higher than the legal limit and hit and run with permanent and serious injury, all felonies. Sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury on both victims in the crash were also approved by the jury.

Herrera was previously convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run and battery against a peace officer, all misdemeanors, on Halloween 2008. That is why in this latest trial he was charged with second-degree murder instead of vehicular manslaughter.

On Dec. 2, 2018, Herrera headed to the Spoons restaurant, in Santa Ana and proceeded to consume a “bucket of beer” according o the prosecutor.

Herrera then got into his Acura TL and was driving at speeds of about 40 to 50 mph on Grand Ave. when he rear-ended a Scion XD at McFadden Avenue, just after 2 a.m.

The crash took the life of Jorge Davalos Carrillo, 39, of Garden Grove, who was the right rear passenger in the Scion. Another passenger in the front seat sustained a brain injury as well as fractures to the spine, rib and pelvis, and spent two months hospitalized, according to the prosecutor.

Three good Samaritans helped Herrera out of his car and asked him to stay put, but Herrera returned to his car and tried to drive away, only to crash into a light pole..

Herrera has prior arrests for DUI dating back to 2008, according to the SAPD. Now he is facing life in prison.

The Costa Mesa police made 10 DUI arrests at their last DUI checkpoint

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On Friday night, Sept. 3, 2021, at the Costa Mesa Police Department’s DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Newport Boulevard and Flower Street, with assistance from Orange County Sheriff’s Department, CA and CHP – Santa Ana, a total of 290 vehicles were screened.

The DUI screenings yielded 25 field sobriety tests, 10 DUI arrest, 6 citations issued for driving unlicensed including 1 driver with a suspended license, and 13 vehicles impounded.

A total of 1,938 vehicles passed through this checkpoint.

The checkpoint was funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The Costa Mesa Police Department is conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2021) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. within the city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“These checkpoints, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, are essential to keeping the community safe,” Sgt. Dan Miles said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

CMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:

  • Always use a designated sober driver to get home, which could be a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, a cab or public transportation.
  • If you see someone who is impaired try to drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
  • Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
  • If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
  • If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to CMPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The SAPD will be conducting a DUI and Driver’s License checkpoint this Friday night

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The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, August 27th, 2021. It will begin at 8:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:00 AM.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver is.

The checkpoint will be staffed by officers trained in the detection of alcohol and drug impairment to provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. All checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the guidelines for DUI checkpoint operations outlined in the California Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and / or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Driver convicted of murdering two women in high-speed 2017 DUI crash in Irvine

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 26-year-old Irvine man was convicted today of two counts of second-degree murder for killing two women in a high-speed 2017 drunk driving crash in Irvine. The driver had been warned just before the crash that he should not be driving after a night of heavy drinking.

Norman Martin, 26, of Irvine, was convicted of killing Jamie R. Lopez, 26 of Santa Ana, and Nancy A. Ortiz, 26, of Garden Grove both 26, in the July 22, 2017 crash.

He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years to life. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2021 in Department C45 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana

On July 22, 2017, Ortiz and Lopez agreed to take an Uber with Martin to the home of one of Martin’s friends. Martin diverted the Uber to his home in order to pick his Corvette up and drive Ortiz and Martin to his friend’s home.

At approximately 2:20 a.m., Martin had a blood alcohol content of .11 – more than the legal limit – with Ortiz and Lopez in his two-seat Corvette. Martin was driving 138 miles per hour when he lost control of his vehicle while running a red light at Jamboree and Main Street in Irvine.

The Corvette went airborne and hit numerous objects, including three palm trees. Martin and his two passengers were ejected. Lopez and Ortiz were pronounced dead at the scene.

Martin was taken to a local hospital and treated for his injuries.

Martin was arrested by the Irvine Police Department on December 11, 2018.

“The victims in this case mattered. They mattered to their loved ones, their co-workers, their friends, and they mattered to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol cost the lives of so many innocent people. The two people who lost their lives in this crash are not numbers. They are not statistics. These are real human beings who had their lives and the lives of their loved ones shattered because of the selfish decision of someone to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you have been drinking or using drugs, don’t get behind the wheel. The life you may save may be someone else’s or it may be your own. Thank you to the Irvine Police Department and to Senior Deputy District Attorney Eric Scarbrough for fighting for justice for these victims and making sure that every drunk driving victim matters.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Eric Scarbrough of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

The Newport Beach Police Department will be holding a DUI Checkpoint on August 20

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If you were planning on visiting Newport Beach on August 20, be advised that the Newport Beach Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on that day, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Newport Beach City limits.
 
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
 
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
 
The Newport Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.
 
“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”
 
The Newport Beach Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about “driving or operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
 
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
 
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
 
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI suspected in evening collision at Edinger Avenue and Corta Drive

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On Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 8:52 PM, the Santa Ana Police Department received several calls of a traffic collision involving a white van and gray SUV at the intersection of Corta Drive and Edinger Avenue. Officers responded to the area and located the collision. Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded and began to treat both drivers. They were transported to an area hospital for further medical treatment, where the driver of the SUV remains in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation has revealed the SUV was traveling west on Edinger Avenue approaching Corta Drive. The van was traveling east on Edinger Avenue making a left turn onto Corta Drive. As the van made the left turn, it was struck by the SUV.

The driver of the van was identified as Angel Rodriguez from Santa Ana. He was arrested for felony DUI and transported to the Santa Ana Jail for booking.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) is handling the investigation. Anyone possibly having information about this collision is asked to contact Investigator L. Bao at (714) 245-8223 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.

The SAPD will conduct a DUI and Driver’s License checkpoint tonight

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The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, July 30th, 2021. It will begin at 8:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:00 AM.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver is.

The checkpoint will be staffed by officers trained in the detection of alcohol and drug impairment to provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. All checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the guidelines for DUI checkpoint operations outlined in the California Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and / or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Garden Grove Police Department will conduct a DUI and CDL Checkpoint on July 31

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Garden Grove, Calif. – The Garden Grove Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint July 31st, 2021 from 2100-0300 hours at an undisclosed location within the city of Garden Grove in the County of Orange.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

As the state continues to work to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Garden Grove Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Police Chief Tom DaRé said. “We are still out there looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous.”

The Garden Grove Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or ”operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Tustin Police Dept. arrested two DUI drivers at their checkpoint on Friday night

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The Tustin Police Department’s Traffic Unit hosted an OTS DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday night at McFadden Ave west of Tustin Village Way.

As a result, two drivers were arrested for DUI. 13 citations were issued for unlicensed drivers, 2 for driving on a suspended license, and 10 for various hazardous vehicle code violations. Four vehicles were impounded.

Funding for the operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

The Costa Mesa police made four arrests at their DUI checkpoint on Friday night

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The Costa Mesa Police Department conducted a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday night, July 9, 2021, at 17th Street east of Westminster Avenue.

A total of 320 vehicles were screened and yielded 21 drivers evaluated for possible impairment, 4 DUI arrests, 14 citations including 10 for driving unlicensed and 2 for driving with a suspended license, and 5 vehicles impounded.

A total of 644 vehicles passed through this checkpoint. One driver was issued a citation for failing to stop at the checkpoint and failing to yield for officers!

The Costa Mesa Police Department would like to remind everyone to keep the streets safe. Don’t drive under the influence and obey all rules of the road.

The Costa Mesa Police Dept. will be conducting a DUI & Driver’s License Checkpoint this Friday, July 9

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (July 7, 2021) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, July 9, 2021, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. within the city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“These checkpoints, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, are essential to keeping the community safe,” Sgt. Dan Miles said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

CMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:
Always use a designated sober driver to get home, which could be a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, a cab or public transportation.
If you see someone who is impaired try to drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to CMPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Four DUI suspects were arrested at a Westminster DUI checkpoint

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This past weekend, the Westminster Police Department held a DUI checkpoint to enforce traffic laws and to educate drivers on the dangers of impaired driving.

  • 665 vehicles traveled through the checkpoints.
  • 3 of those vehicles were stopped and screened.
  • 6 citations were issued.
  • 4 subjects were arrested for DUI.

The Westminster Police Department reminds you that driving a vehicle while impaired is a dangerous crime. Being a responsible driver is simple: if you are drinking, DO NOT DRIVE.

Remember, if you see something, say something! Your actions could help save someone’s life.

Repeat O.C. drunk driver convicted of killing a grandma and seriously injuring her boyfriend

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – A repeat drunk driver was convicted Wednesday of hitting and killing a 77-year-old woman and seriously injuring her boyfriend when he crossed into oncoming traffic while driving on the Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

Edward James Nani, 41, of Lake Forest, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of second-degree murder, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, one felony count of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more, and two felony enhancements of inflicting great bodily injury.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning guilty verdicts on all counts.

Nani, who had been previously convicted of driving under the influence twice, faces a maximum sentence of 21 years to life. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2021.

Drivers convicted of driving under the influence in California are required to be given what is known as a Watson advisement that informs them that if they kill someone while driving under the influence they can be charged with murder. Nani received the Watson advisement when he plead guilty in 2010 to misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence and driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more.

Nani also has a prior DUI conviction from 2002.

On March 31, 2018, Nani was driving on the Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano around 8:24 p.m. A driver behind him became so concerned with Nani’s erratic driving, including crossing into oncoming traffic, that he began recording Nani as he drove behind him. The driver called 911 to report a drunk driver, telling the dispatcher the driver was going to kill someone.

Amparo Castellon Lopez, 77, and her boyfriend, Jose Robert Pacheco, 74, were driving home from visiting Lopez’ daughter and grandchildren when they were hit by Nani’s vehicle when he crossed into oncoming traffic.

Lopez was killed and Pacheco suffered a broken arm, leg, pelvis, and ribs.

“This individual repeatedly demonstrated that he had no regard for human life and it was only a matter of time before he killed someone by getting behind the wheel intoxicated,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or high or drugs is a choice and it can be a deadly choice. With bars and restaurants back open for business following the pandemic, it is more important than ever to make good choices when you drink or do drugs. If you make the choice to get behind the wheel and you kill someone while impaired, you could be charged with murder.”  

Senior Deputy District Attorney Dan Feldman of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.