Fortuna Police Press Release:

The St. Patrick’s Day DUI Enforcement resulted in a significant number of DUI arrest from local routine traffic enforcement and the special Avoid the 7 DUI deployments in Humboldt County.

Throughout St. Patrick’s Day and night, officers in Humboldt County made numerous enforcement stops and seven individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition to the seven DUI arrests, several drivers were arrested for driving without a driver’s license or with a suspended driver’s license.

Last year, six drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Humboldt County

“According to a new estimate from AAA, a first time conviction for driving under the influence costs on average more than $15,000.00,” said Sergeant Charles Ellebrecht. “It’s also very dangerous as 29% of traffic fatalities in California are DUI related.”

Local law enforcement encourages all motorists to help make our community safer – Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911. Funding for this program was is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Avoid the 7 DUI task force will have several additional operations throughout the year.