Crime & Safety
2 Lake Elsinore Residents Arrested At DUI Checkpoint
The checkpoint was set up by the Lake Elsinore Police Department Traffic Unit at Grand Avenue and Ontario.
A DUI checkpoint Friday night in Lake Elsinore resulted in two arrests and six unlicensed and suspended drivers sent to court, police are reporting.
The checkpoint was set up by the Lake Elsinore Police Department Traffic Unit at Grand Avenue and Ontario.
According to checkpoint results published by the department's Sgt. Peter Giannakakos, Jaime Batchelor, 39, and Nelson Mendez, 25, both of Lake Elsinore, were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The sergeant's report stated that 670 vehicles passed through the checkpoint that operated from 7 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday.
In addition to the arrests, eight vehicles were stored or impounded.
"This checkpoint was one of many that have been or will be conducted throughout the year in the city," according to Giannakakos's report. "The goal of the DUI checkpoint was to remove impaired and suspended drivers from the roadway and raise public awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
"Alcohol and drug impaired driving cause’s serious injuries and deaths that have marred recent holiday celebrations," the sergeant continued. "The Lake Elsinore Police Department is committed to working aggressively to reduce the incidence of needless tragedy that accompanies any alcohol related collision."
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