LA - Grant helps GPD ticket driving violators

Grant helps GPD ticket driving violators

Published: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 12:22 PM CDT
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Gonzales Police issued 101 citations for seat belt violations, 46 speeding tickets and cited 15 suspected drunk drivers during a three-month period in which officers worked overtime under a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Chief Bill Landry said his officers targeted drunk and drugged drivers, speeders, and vehicle occupants not using seat belts or child restraints during the period ending May 31.

"These citations and arrests are in addition to those made during regular hours," Landry said. "This year-long over time grant continues through Sept. 30."

Officers cited 36 drivers speeding16 to 20 mph over the posted limit, two for going 26 to 30 mph hour over the limit, and one driver speeding more than 31 mph over the limit.

Six drivers cited for DWI were charged with their first offense.

Among the DWI arrests was 19-year-old also cited for possession of marijuana and careless operation. A 20-year old cited for first-offense DWI was also charged with red light violation, no tail lights, and possession of alcohol by a minor. A 26-year old driver cited for first offense DWI was cited for speeding 77 mph in a 25 mph zone, open container, no driver's license, resisting arrest, and tested with a blood alcohol contest over twice the legal limit of .08. A 21-year-old charged with first-offense DWI was additionally cited for possession of marijuana, driving under suspension, no insurance, and misdemeanor traffic bench warrants. One 27-year old driver was charged with second-offense DWI and speeding 57 mph in a 25 mph zone. A 23-year old driver who had two children ages three and five, was arrested and charged with third-offense DWI, child endangerment, possession of marijuana, possession of Schedule IV drugs and theft. A 42-year old driver was charged with fourth-offense DWI, red light violation, driving under suspension, open container, and bench warrants for three traffic violations.

Landry said blood alcohol content ranged from .098 to .249 for adult drivers, and .63 to .77 for underage drivers. The BAC statutory limit for underage drivers is .02. According to the chief, officers working on the overtime grant operate under Zero Tolerance guidelines