May 27 – The Bakersfield Police Department’s DUI and driver’s license checkpoint held from Friday evening to Saturday morning expanded beyond those issues – including an assault on an officer.
The traffic unit checked 588 vehicles from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the 3800 block of Chester Avenue.
A driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant, according to a BPD news release.
Eleven drivers were cited for driving without a license, while eight drivers were cited for driving with a suspended license. Nineteen vehicles were seized at the checkpoint, of which 18 were seized and one was released to a licensed driver.
A driver was arrested on suspicion of fleeing the checkpoint and assaulting an officer. A driver has been arrested on suspicion of laying weapons charges after a loaded handgun was found inside his vehicle.
Motorcyclist leads officers in pursuit after failing to stop for checkpoint; the prosecution was called off for public safety reasons, BPD noted in a press release.
Police are asking anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver to call 911.