Sting after DUI arraignments leads to 12 arrests

 Posted on October 06, 2011 in DUI

A number of Californians appearing for arraignment in DUI cases were recently the focus of a so-called police sting operation in Walnut Creek. News reports indicate that roughly 97 people appeared in Superior Court for arraignment on DUI charges on Sept. 26. Nearly all of the accused reportedly had suspended licenses.

Police say the judge warned each of the accused not to drive with a suspended license. News reports say most of the defendants did not drive, but police claim a number of people leaving the courthouse did drive away from their arraignments. Undercover officers reportedly watched as the defendants left the courthouse in Walnut Creek after the arraignment.

Law enforcement arrested 12 people leaving the courthouse. The undercover officers at the courthouse apparently radioed information to motorcycle officers waiting nearby. The motorcycle officers reportedly conducted traffic stops based upon the undercover officer's observations.

The difficulties increased for those that were arrested. Police say the 12 were taken back to the courthouse to appear before the same judge. The defendants were reportedly denied bail after the sting, and each of their vehicles were impounded.

Sergeant Don Teztloff of the Walnut Creek Police Department says the law enforcement agency conducted the sting to "send a strong message that law enforcement is watching and similar operations are planned." Police departments from several surrounding cities, deputies with the Sheriff's Office and county probation officials participated in the sting operation. The sting was reportedly funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Walnut Creek Patch, "Police Sting Suspended Drivers After DUI Arraignments," Sept. 27, 2011