Police Explain Checkpoint That Delayed Temecula's Morning Commuters

Traffic was jammed along Rancho California and Moraga roads in Temecula Wednesday morning, and police are explaining why. 

The Temecula Police Department conducted a daytime DUI safety checkpoint on Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to noon near the intersection, as part of the city's "commitment to public safety," according to a news release issued today by Sgt. John Magnan.

During the checkpoint 2,214 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and 1,714 of them were screened, according to Magnan.

There were no DUI arrests, although one person was sent to court for not having a valid license.

Some drivers complained about the checkpoint and the subsequent traffic. 

"These guys do more damage interfering with the people that are trying to get to work than actually catching someone doing something wrong," one person wrote on the Facebook page for Temecula Patch. 

"Sobriety checkpoint on Rancho California Road at 8 am...why?" another asked.

According to Magnan, there have been many daytime arrests during daytime hours.

"So far this year, we’ve had 38 arrests for driving under the influence during the hours of 5 a.m.-4 p.m.," Magnan reported. Of those arrests, 10 occurred on Wednesdays, nine on Saturdays, seven on Sundays, four each on Mondays and Thursdays, and two each on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The checkpoint was part of many that have been or will be conducted throughout the year in the Temecula area, the sergeant continued.  

"The goal of this DUI checkpoint was to remove impaired drivers and to bring awareness to the public of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs," he reported.

Wednesday's checkpoint was not grant funded. The sheriff's department did post a public notification about the Oct. 30 operation well in advance of the scheduled date.