SOUTHERN MARYLAND - Local police have announced that they plan to step up patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints during the
Fourth of July weekend.
In St. Mary's County, there will be Sheriff's deputies specifically assigned to "Saturation Patrols" to watch out for drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Police say they will also be looking out for drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively. The Sheriff's Office will also conduct a Sobriety Checkpoint Operation where every vehicle that enters the checkpoint will be stopped and checked for impaired drivers.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint between 7 p.m. June 29 and 1 a.m. June 30. The Sheriff’s Office is not disclosing the location of the checkpoint but signs on the roadway will advise motorists as they approach it. Officers will check all vehicles that pass through the checkpoint and drivers who are found to be intoxicated will be arrested. Delays for motorists are expected to be minimal.
The Charles County Sheriff noted that as a result of a checkpoint conducted on June 14, five intoxicated drivers were arrested, two warrants were served and one criminal arrest was made.
The Maryland State Police (MSP) say they will also be conducting sobriety checkpoints during the Fourth of July weekend. The operation will be conducted in conjunction with the five-state and the District of Columbia campaign known as “Checkpoint Strikeforce.”