The holiday season can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people were killed in the United States in alcohol-involved crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For this reason, the Turlock Police Department will have additional officers on patrol through New Year’s Day looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
This already started last night and although officers couldn’t find any impaired drivers, they managed to stay productive.
Several traffic stops were made, one of which resulted in standardized field sobriety tests being administered. The stops also resulted in a couple of citations being issued and four people being arrested.
The first arrest was the result of a stop made at E. Linwood Avenue and Larchwood Court. Lovepreet Singh, 28, of Ceres, was arrested and released on a citation for a $1,000 misdemeanor warrant out of Stanislaus County for reckless driving.
The second arrest was the result of a stop made in the 100 block of W. F Street. Eric Shepherd, 37, of Turlock, was arrested and released on a citation on the charge of possession of methamphetamines after a probation search of him and his vehicle.
The third and fourth arrests were the result of a stop made at Arco AMPM in the 2300 block of Fulkerth Road. Kathleen Cruz, 41, of Turlock, and Timothy Wharff, 45, of La Grange, were arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on misdemeanor warrants out of Turlock and Ceres for drug charges. Officers also pushed their vehicle away from the gas pump so that customers could continue to use it and the business didn’t have to tow it.
The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, to stop suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.
“Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal,” said Turlock Police Officer Michael Simbalenko. “Let’s make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road. This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that it is essential to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home,” he continued.
The Turlock Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
Impaired driving isn’t just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair one’s driving capabilities and is also illegal. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
