Fortuna Police Dept. Press Release:

The Fortuna Police Department is conducting ongoing enforcement against drivers who repeatedly drive under the influence (DUI) of alcohol/drugs and drive with their license suspended for multiple DUI’s. The primary goal of this enforcement is to apprehend drivers that present a major safety hazard to the drivers on our roadways. Many of these repeat offenders drive impaired, drive on suspended licenses, do not maintain insurance on their vehicles, and are a much higher risk of fleeing the scene of a traffic collision.

In 2012, The Fortuna Police Department partnered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to take part in the “DUI Hot List” pilot program. This program has helped to identify drivers who have multiple DUI convictions and a suspended or revoked driver’s license. This list, along with local records, provides detailed information on these drivers, including names, addresses, descriptions, and vehicle information.

“The DUI Hot List is utilized by our officers to locate and identify these “worst of the worst” repeat offenders” said Sgt. Charles Ellebrecht. In addition to daily patrol operations, officers also conduct special surveillance operations to keep a watchful eye on these repeat offenders. Be forewarned: If you are one of these offenders and you choose to drive, you run the risk of being caught, arrested, booked into jail, and prosecuted. Prosecution can include not only these new violations, but can also include violation of probation or parole for their previous convictions.

Some of the funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Drunk driving is a major cause of fatal and injury collisions each year. We are seeking your assistance in saving lives. If you are on the roadways and you observe a possible drunk driver call 9-1-1 immediately.

As summer comes to an end, The Fortuna Police Department wants to remind you that if you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, please designate a sober driver before getting into a vehicle.