CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — The Clovis Police Department held its third DUI checkpoint Thursday night, marking the third checkpoint conducted in the city this month.<\/p>\n
Officers say they are focused on keeping impaired drivers off the road while also watching for other potential issues tied to large gatherings.<\/p>\n
“Our officers will be watching for people who are driving impaired. They will be watching for fights and things like that that happen,” said Sgt. Abby Padgett of the Clovis Police Department.<\/p>\n
The World Cup has many excited in Central California, including at local businesses like Press Box Sports Bar and Grill in Clovis, where fans cheered as Mexico scored a goal to advance to the next round.<\/p>\n
With more matches scheduled and holiday celebrations approaching, police say enforcement efforts will continue. Officers are trained to recognize impairment from a range of substances, not just alcohol.<\/p>\n
“Driving while intoxicated doesn’t just mean alcohol. It includes marijuana, prescription drugs and even more illicit controlled substances,” Padgett said.<\/p>\n
Authorities also pointed to a recent case highlighting the consequences of impaired driving.<\/p>\n
Police arrested 45-year-old Francis Portillo last week after investigators say she hit a man with her car while under the influence.<\/p>\n
Officials said Portillo left the scene and led officers on a short pursuit before being taken into custody. The man was taken to a hospital, where he later died.<\/p>\n
Padgett said cases like this have far-reaching impacts.<\/p>\n
“It’s usually a tragic event for the person involved and family members. It reaches across so many different relatives,” she said.<\/p>\n
Business owners are also taking steps to prevent issues as crowds gather. Thomas Miller, owner of Press Box, said his staff is trained in responsible beverage service.<\/p>\n
“One of the things they’ve been trained in is what we call RBS, responsible beverage service. So they all recognize the signs,” Miller said.<\/p>\n
He added that staff remain alert to more than just alcohol-related impairment.<\/p>\n
“In today’s day and age, it’s not just alcohol service. Sometimes guests can overindulge in maybe other drugs that we won’t catch as quickly as we want, so we’re constantly monitoring that,” Miller said.<\/p>\n
Clovis police say additional DUI checkpoints are planned throughout the summer. Officials also noted that businesses could be held liable for DUI-related injuries if they overserve customers.<\/p>\n
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