DUI checkpoint in Burbank yields one arrest

A grant-funded sobriety checkpoint conducted in Burbank Saturday night yielded one drunk-driving arrest, though more than 800 motorists were screened, police said.

From 9 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday, 823 drivers passed through and were screened for signs of impaired driving at a checkpoint set up in the area of Olive Avenue and Lake Street, said Burbank Police Officer Joshua Kendrick.

Among those, four drivers were stopped to perform a field sobriety test, one was arrested for an outstanding warrant, and 10 drivers were cited for driving without a license or with a suspended license, Kendrick said. Two vehicles were impounded.

Along with screening drivers for signs of intoxication, police also reportedly educated drivers about the dangers of drunk driving.

“It’s a great opportunity to have information passed along as well,” Kendrick said.

Police selected the intersection for the checkpoint based on the number of alcohol or drug-related collisions and arrests in the surrounding area.

“We try to place the checkpoint in an area where DUI collisions are occurring,” said Burbank Police Lt. Jay Hawver.

Year-to-date, police have reportedly arrested 300 motorists for driving under the influence in the city, Hawver said. Meanwhile, there have been 43 alcohol- or drug-related collisions.

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