Weekend random traffic checkpoints on St. Croix netted five DUI arrests and two arrests on drug charges.
Arrested for driving under the influence were 42-year-old Victor Martinez of Estate Sion Farm, 53-year-old Rafael Del Pilar Batista of Clifton Hill, 34-year-old Michael Springer of Estate Welcome, 47-year-old Juan Garcia of Estate Diamond and 40-year-old Ira Galloway of Estate Sion Farm. The suspects were arrested at various locations on St. Croix between Thursday and Sunday.
Also arrested during random traffic checkpoints was 34-year-old Kareem Smith of Estate Campo Rico. Police say they saw Smith acting in a suspicious manner during the traffic stop and found that he was in possession of several bags of marijuana packages for sale.
Isabelle Rivera, 44, of Estate Profit was also caught in the checkpoints. Officers reported finding drug paraphernalia in her purse and arrested her.
On Wednesday Police Commissioner Novelle E. Francis Jr. announced that territory-wide driver’s license and vehicle registration traffic checkpoints will be conducted during the month of July at undisclosed locations on all three islands. The checkpoints are conducted to identify and stop people driving without or with expired driver’s licenses as well as to educate the public on the dangers of driving without a driver’s license.
The heightened traffic stops also catch people driving with illegal weapons and drugs, the commissioner said.
