Man Tries to Flee Redlands DUI Checkpoint, Crashes Into Fire Hydrant

Redlands Police arrested two people for driving under the influence during a DUI/drivers license checkpoint Friday, Aug. 16, including one driver who led police on a short pursuit before crashing into a fire hydrant.

A total of 231 vehicles passed through the checkpoint in the southbound lanes of Cajon Street at Cypress Avenue between 7 p.m. and midnight Friday. Citations were also written for speeding, using a cell phone while driving and illegal turns.

Shortly before midnight, an approaching vehicle made an illegal turn to avoid the checkpoint and led police on a short pursuit before crashing into a fire hydrant on Hibiscus Drive near Cypress Avenue. No one was injured.

The driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Angel Renee Gomez, of San Bernardino, was arrested for driving under the influence, evading police and driving on a suspended license. In addition to the DUI arrest, a passenger in the vehicle was arrested on an unrelated warrant.

On Aug. 15, the Redlands Police Traffic Unit issued 21 citations for violations including failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to wear a seat belt and driving without a license during a traffic enforcement detail.

On Aug. 19, Redlands Police Traffic officers on a motorcycle enforcement detail in the areas of San Timoteo Canyon as well as Lugonia Avenueissued 10 citations for violations including driving without an appropriate motorcycle license, crossing the double yellow line and speeding.

Another checkpoint is scheduled beginning at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, in the eastbound lanes of Redlands Boulevard at 6th Street. The checkpoint is scheduled until 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.

Officers will contact drivers passing through Friday’s checkpoint looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment.  Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily.  When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000. 

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

In 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

“DUI Checkpoints have been an essential part of the phenomenal reduction in DUI deaths that we witnessed since 2006 in California,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety.  “But since the tragedy of DUI accounts for nearly one-third of traffic fatalities, Redlands needs the high visibility enforcement and public awareness that checkpoints provide.”

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Redlands Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies.  If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.