For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1800024 |
| Date Issued: | Feb 20, 2018 - 10:11am |
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Washoe County Sheriff's Office participation in early February Joining Forces campaign results in a dozen arrests for DUI |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputies participating in a Nevada Department of Public Safety Joining Forces DUI prevention campaign that started just before the Super Bowl weekend resulted in 12 DUI arrests along with more than 150 citations for other traffic safety violations.
Two deputies assigned to this enforcement campaign were struck head-on by an intoxicated driver travelling the wrong way on North Virginia Street on Tuesday night, February 13. That driver was subsequently arrested by the Reno Police Department for DUI.
Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, distracted driving, seat belt, and speed and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.
From February 1 through February, 15, 2018, the Sheriff's Office joined the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol for a campaign aimed at driving under the influence as part of ongoing efforts to reduce DUIs and increase traffic safety.
Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputies assigned to this effort initiated a total of 149 traffic stops. Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, several other violations may be observed during the subsequent investigation making it possible that a driver may be issued citations for numerous violations.
The total number of arrests, citations and warnings by Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputies during this event is 177:
12 DUI arrests
5 outstanding fugitive arrests
15 speeding violations
8 running a red light
3 cellphone use/distracted driving
4 failure to yield
23 motor vehicle registration violations
15 driver's license related violations
6 failure to show proof of insurance
10 vehicle equipment violations
14 all other citations
58 warnings
This campaign included four stops that resulted in warning for drivers who were fatigued. Fatigued driving is a serious concern for law enforcement as it can be just as dangerous to traffic safety as driving under the influence.
The Sheriff's Office participation in this Joining Forces DUI driving awareness and enforcement campaign was made possible by grant funding received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.