Crime & Safety

3 Arrested During Lake Elsinore DUI Checkpoint

A DUI/driver's license checkpoint in Lake Elsinore Friday night resulted in three arrests, a sheriff's sergeant is reporting.

The checkpoint at Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Drive began at 7 p.m. and operated until approximately 2 a.m. Saturday.

According to a report from Sgt. Peter Giannakakos, the following arrests were made:

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  • Thomas Mercer, 21, of Lake Elsinore arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. 
  • Willie Groones, 46, of La Palma arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.
  • Roderick Boone, 48, of Anaheim arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.
The sergeant's reported that 857 vehicles passed through the checkpoint; 20 vehicles were stored or impounded for 30 days and 22 unlicensed and suspended drivers were sent to court.

The checkpoint was one of many that have been conducted throughout the year in the city, Giannakakos continued.  

"Alcohol and drug impaired driving causes serious injuries and deaths that have marred recent holiday celebrations. The Lake Elsinore Police Department is committed to working aggressively to reduce the incidence of needless tragedy that accompanies any alcohol related collision," Giannakakos said in his report.

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

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