Roadblocks catch 13 DUI offenders

By Justin Walker and Jessica Bachovin
Contributing Writers

University Police, the Robeson County sheriff’s department and North Carolina State Troopers issued 13 Driving Under the Influence tickets on Feb. 7 in a collaboration to catch drunk drivers.

Several roadblocks were set up near University Village and Pembroke Place Apartments on Prospect Road.

“They were everywhere,” said student Rachel McCarthy. “It was impossible to leave the parking lot without getting stopped with the amount of blockage they had going on.”

“The students don’t take drinking and driving seriously, so we are forced to crack down and set up road blocks so they know how serious we are about this,” said Sgt. Stephen Brooks of University police.

“I think this was an eye opener for many. Hopefully, they will think twice before getting in the car after a few drinks now,” said officer Philip R. Locklear.

Cpl. Gloria Abeyta said the operation was successful in delivering the message that drinking and driving will not be tolerated at UNCP.

“Roadblocks have been a success in Robeson County targeting DUI’s, suspended licenses and insurance violations,” she said.
Abeyta also said that we need to crack down more on underage drinking.

According to statistics on the UNCP website, crime has decreased by more than 10 incidents compared to spring 2007.