17 Arrested at Police Sobriety Checkpoint

Thirteen people were arrested for driving under the influence and four were held for driving without a license at a checkpoint set up by Redondo Beach police and the California Highway Patrol over the weekend as part of an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents during the holiday season.

The checkpoint was set up in the 200 block of North Catalina Avenue and was manned by 21 officers and five civilians. The department plans to conduct a series of checkpoints over the holiday season and also will participate in the South Bay Regional DUI Task Force in which police officers from various departments identify problem areas within the region and target drivers under the influence.

Over the holidays, Redondo Beach police also will sponsor a designated driver program in conjunction with several restaurants and bars that allows a designated driver in a group consuming alcohol to receive complimentary nonalcoholic beverages. The department also has teamed up with Hermosa Beach police to contract with a shuttle service to provide residents free transportation to restaurants and bars.