The Sonora Police Department has noticed an alarming increase in
driving under the influence accidents and arrests during the first six
months of 2012. Between Jan and June 2011, the Sonora Police Department
only had 27 arrests for DUI. This year, during the same time period the
Department has had 60 arrests. There has also been a 19% increase in DUI
related accidents.
The Department has noticed two other disturbing trends. The
first is the number of arrests that have been made for driving under the
influence of controlled substances. The second is the high blood
alcohol (BA) levels of those who are being arrested for driving under
the influence of alcohol. The current average BA is .15, which is almost
twice the legal limit.
An Officer was recently sent to special training to deal with people
driving under the influence of controlled substances. Upon their return
from training, they have made several arrests for driving under the
influence of controlled substances.
Another increase in arrests is attributed to people reporting
suspected intoxicated drivers. The Department has been receiving a lot
more calls regarding suspected intoxicated drivers, most of which have
resulted in arrests. The Sonora Police Department would like to thank
those of you who have reported suspected intoxicated drivers.
The Sonora Police Department would like to encourage people to
continue reporting possible intoxicated drivers. We would also like to
remind everyone that if you call 911 on your cell phone in the Sonora
area, you will reach the Merced CHP Office. They will then transfer you
to the Sonora Police Department. However, you can call the Sonora Police
Department directly at 532-8141 to report suspected drunk drivers.
