The first weekend of summer turned out to be quite busy for the Caribou police force. In a 24-hour period from Saturday evening to Sunday evening, Caribou officers arrested three individuals for operating under the
influence of alcohol and arrested one on a charge of OUI drugs. Two of the violators tested at least three times the legal limit of .08 percent blood alcohol level.
So far in 2013, 28 people have been charged with OUI. Of these 28 charges, nine individuals tested at more than 2.5 times the legal limit. Another 10 were suspected to be under the influence of drugs.
Driving under the influence of intoxicants puts everyone at risk, including pedestrians, passengers and other motorists. Police encourage anyone who suspects someone is driving impaired, or if their driving is erratic, to call their local police department or dial 9-1-1.
Because of the high number of people operating under the influence, the CPD, in conjunction with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and the 2013 DriveSober, Maine Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign, will be conducting safety checkpoints on Routes 1, 89 and 161 and Bennett Drive in Caribou during the weekend of June 28.
The checkpoints will ensure all motor vehicles, drivers and passengers are in compliance with state of Maine laws in an effort to make sure the roads are safe for motorists. Officers will be checking for proper seatbelt use, adequate exhaust and tires, violations of inspection and registration laws, sobriety and other safety-related issues.
“Remember, your call could prevent injury or death to a loved one,” said Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan. “If you see it, report it!”
