CHP, La Mesa Police To Hold DUI Checkpoint Honoring Late Officer

LA MESA, CA — The California Highway Patrol and the La Mesa Police Department will conduct a DUI and driver's license checkpoint Friday night at an undisclosed location in La Mesa, authorities announced.

The checkpoint will take place from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday and will honor La Mesa police Officer Lauren Craven, who was killed in the line of duty by an impaired driver on Interstate 8.

Officials said the location was selected based on data showing impaired driving-related crashes. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and check for valid driver's licenses.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney said in a statement. "Any
prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety."

CHP Capt. Michael Monteagudo said the checkpoint is intended to reduce crashes caused by impaired and unlicensed drivers. Traffic permitting, all vehicles passing through the checkpoint will be checked, he said.

Authorities reminded motorists that impaired driving includes driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and some prescription or over-the-counter medications that can affect a person's ability to drive safely.

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 the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.