Police Arrest Seven at Sobriety Checkpoint

Seven drivers were arrested this weekend during a DUI sobriety checkpoint in Ellicott City.

Howard County police set up the checkpoint Friday night near the intersection of U.S. Route 40 westbound and Governors Run Way. They stopped more than 600 drivers to check not just for sobriety, but also for proper use of safety belts and child seats.

According to police, four drivers were arrested and now face charges for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Two drivers were arrested after police say they found marijuana, and one person was arrested and for driving without a license.

According to police, 604 drivers passed through the checkpoint Friday night and early Saturday morning. Police gave drivers information and statistics about drunken driving and traffic safety.

Howard County and Maryland state police manned the checkpoint and were assisted by the Howard County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Operations are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office and are part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign.

Police made 1,645 DUI arrests last year.