Seven arrested at Coachella DUI checkpoint

One suspected drunken driver was among seven people arrested during a sobriety checkpoint in Coachella that ended Sunday.

Sheriff’s deputies began their operation at 7 p.m. Saturday at Grapefruit Boulevard and Ed Mitchell Drive. They ended the checkpoint at 3 a.m., Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Tim White said.

A total of 861 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, but 13 of them were screened. Four drivers were given field sobriety tests but one flunked the test for drugs or alcohol, and was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, White said.

Two passengers were arrested for alleged public drunkeness and four drivers were arrested on misdemeanor warrants, White said.

Three drivers suspected of having suspended licenses were cited and three other drivers were cited for driving without valid driver’s licenses, White said.

Three drivers were cited for traffic violations. Four vehicles impounded and towed, White said.