2 DUI Arrests Made In Concord Crackdown, Police Say

CONCORD, CA — Two people were arrested on suspicion of DUI Friday night in Concord as a result of a DUI enforcement patrol conducted by the Concord Police Department.

While state and local stay-at-home orders limit how often people are out during the coronavirus pandemic, Concord police say they are committed to keeping community members safe when they do need to run essential errands.

"Driving under the influence is dangerous, illegal and puts a further strain on resources in the middle of a pandemic," Concord police Lt. Mark Robison said in a news release. "We are still out there and will not hesitate to stop drivers who drive impaired."

As part of a series of DUI enforcement patrols throughout the year, additional Concord police officers are scheduled to conduct another DUI saturation patrol this week. From 8 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday, officers will look for motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, Concord police Sgt. Murtazah Ghaznawi said.

"Concord Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol," Ghaznawi said. "Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or 'operating heavy machinery,' which includes driving a car."

Concord police also reminded drivers that while medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal.

Funding for the series of DUI patrols in Concord is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This article originally appeared on the Concord Patch