URGENT UPDATE: Over the holiday weekend, Nez Perce County saw a troubling spike in DUI arrests, with a total of eight individuals booked on driving under the influence charges from Christmas Eve through Sunday. In nearby Clarkston, local police reported four DUI arrests, indicating a concerning trend this festive season.
Clarkston Police Chief Josh Daniel highlighted the increased frequency of DUI incidents, stating, “It was a pretty busy holiday weekend for DUI arrests. It seemed to be a little more this year than in previous years.” Authorities confirm that Clarkston’s police force will be fully staffed for the upcoming New Year’s holiday, aiming to curb further incidents.
In total, only 17 people were booked in the Nez Perce County Jail during this five-day span, meaning that over half of these arrests were related to DUI offenses. Specifically, there were two DUI arrests on Christmas Eve, with no incidents reported on Christmas Day, and the remaining six arrests scattered over the following days.
The arrests in Clarkston reflect broader patterns, with police reporting four DUI citations among a total of 14 arrests made over the holiday weekend. The DUI incidents occurred predominantly on the city’s north end, a high-traffic area near the Interstate Blue Bridge and popular shopping locations like Costco and Walmart. Alarmingly, one of the arrestees was only 17 years old.
In addition to DUI arrests, non-DUI incidents in Clarkston included charges for theft, burglary, telephone harassment, and assault. Meanwhile, deputies in Asotin County reported an additional 14 arrests related to various offenses.
As the New Year approaches, Chief Daniel urges revelers to celebrate responsibly. “I hope people drink responsibly and take up offers of free rides and use designated drivers,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of safe driving during festivities.
This surge in DUI incidents serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving, and authorities are encouraging the community to prioritize safety as they ring in the New Year. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
