Residents on South Arlington Avenue woke Friday, Aug. 14, to find a white Ford SUV parked on the wrong side of the street, its driver asleep behind the wheel and the driver's side heavily damaged. The scene kicked off a 72-hour stretch in which Elmhurst police made five DUI arrests across four locations, according to police reports cited by Patch.
The arrests coincided with the launch of a statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign that began Aug. 14 and runs through the early morning hours of Sept. 8, encompassing Labor Day weekend. More than 200 Illinois law enforcement agencies are participating in the effort, which is funded through federal traffic safety dollars administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, according to a regional law enforcement announcement.
None were Elmhurst residents.
The arrests
Friday, Aug. 14, shortly before dawn — 300 block of South Arlington Avenue: A 26-year-old South Holland woman was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and possession of open alcohol after police found her asleep in the damaged SUV. She was taken to the station and released.
Friday, Aug. 14, about 12:30 p.m. — York Street and Third Street: A 50-year-old Chicago Heights man was charged with DUI (drugs) and not wearing a seatbelt. His was the only arrest of the five that did not include an open-alcohol charge.
Saturday, Aug. 15, about 2 a.m. — Addison Avenue and Schiller Street: A 32-year-old Warrenville man was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, improper turn at an intersection and possession of open alcohol by a driver.
Saturday, Aug. 15, about 7 p.m. — 100 block of West Third Street: A 45-year-old Berkeley man was charged with DUI, use of unsafe tires, driving an uninsured car and possession of open alcohol by a driver.
Saturday, Aug. 15, about 11 p.m. — 1000 block of North York Street: A 40-year-old Franklin Park man was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, excessive noise caused by a muffler and possession of open alcohol by a driver.
Enforcement context
Elmhurst police have now logged DUI arrests on at least four consecutive weekends. The Beacon previously reported a DUI arrest on West St. Charles Road the weekend of Aug. 7-9, a felony DUI case Aug. 4 in which an Elmhurst woman allegedly battered an officer during a traffic stop, and six DUI arrests the weekend of July 25-27.
The statewide Labor Day campaign runs through Sept. 8. Lombard Police Lt. Tom Balsitis said in an Aug. 13 statement that anyone whose plans include alcohol or cannabis should arrange a safe ride home before heading out.
Residents who observe impaired driving can call 911 or the Elmhurst Police Department's non-emergency line at 630-530-3050.
