Valley DUI operations net several arrests

Authorities continue a crackdown on drunken driving across the Valley, with several arrests and vehicle impoundments made late Friday and early Saturday in Fresno, Clovis and Visalia.

In Fresno, police arrested nine people on suspicion of driving while intoxicated at a sobriety checkpoint in the southbound lanes of West Avenue at Indianapolis Avenue. Officers also impounded 12 vehicles because drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence or did not have a valid driver’s license.

Clovis police arrested one person at a DUI checkpoint at the intersection of Peach and Shaw avenues. In addition, officers arrested two people because of warrant-related issues and impounded two vehicles because drivers did not have a valid driver’s license or had a suspended driver’s license.

In Visalia, police arrested two people at a checkpoint in the area of Mineral King Avenue and Bridge Street. Officers also impounded three vehicles because drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence or did not have a valid driver’s license.

The AVOID DUI Task Force holiday crackdown on drunken driving in Fresno and Madera counties will continue through Monday, said Alfreda Sebasto.

Officers from 21 law enforcement agencies arrested 66 people, with some agencies still to report arrests, during an eight-day stretch from Dec. 14 through Friday.

During the Christmas weekend, there will be DUI checkpoints in Fresno, Selma and Clovis.

Extra patrols in Fresno and Madera counties will focus on potential drunken drivers, and the California Highway Patrol will deploy extra officers during the enforcement period.