A man in California was arrested for drunken driving shortly after midnight on January 1, 2022, after claiming to be “the DUI” during a traffic stop. The encounter was captured on bodycam footage shared by the Murrieta Police Department in Southern California. The driver was pulled over for swerving across the roadway at 12:40 a.m. and was questioned about where he was coming from, to which he responded that he was just dropping off his friend and implied that he was the designated driver for the evening.
During the interaction, the officer corrected the driver by suggesting that he likely meant to say he was the “DD,” or designated driver, rather than the “DUI.” The driver appeared speechless after the correction and eventually admitted to consuming some champagne and beer before agreeing to take field sobriety tests. He struggled to maintain balance during the tests and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence, being taken to jail as a result.
The Murrieta Police Department stated that it has two officers who specialize in DUI investigations and have received additional training in detecting and investigating impaired drivers. The department also regularly conducts checkpoints to further prevent drunk driving incidents. The department emphasized the importance of celebrating responsibly, noting that 37 people in America die every day in crashes related to driving under the influence. In 2022 alone, 13,524 individuals lost their lives due to alcohol-impaired driving, according to the statistics shared by MPD.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with drunk driving and the potential consequences that can result from such reckless behavior. The interaction between the driver and the officer highlights the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat impaired driving and protect public safety. The case also underscores the need for individuals to make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol consumption, particularly during celebratory occasions where the risk of driving under the influence may be higher.
By sharing the bodycam footage and details of the arrest, the Murrieta Police Department aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and encourage individuals to take personal responsibility when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving. The department’s efforts to focus on DUI prevention and enforcement reflect a commitment to keeping the community safe and reducing the incidence of alcohol-related accidents on the road. Ultimately, the message is clear: drunk driving is not only illegal but can also have serious and potentially fatal consequences for both the driver and others on the road.
