During students' first weekend back on campus a total of 59 charges were issued at three checkpoints around Elon Friday Sept. 2.
"It was a collaborative effort with many agencies," said Mike Brewer, Elon master police officer. "All three of the checkpoints were connected but a majority of the charges came from the one near Elon Elementary."
There were four charges of driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21, nine charges of driving while intoxicated, 13 drug violations, including a felony arrest, and the rest were traffic violations including driving without a license, expired registration or not wearing a seatbelt.
The arrests were carried out by various agencies including the Alamance County Sheriff's Office, Burlington Police Department, Elon Police Department, Mebane Police Department and Gibsonville Police Department. The names of the individuals were not readily available.
Checkpoints are often held every week on various days and times, Brewer said. While it's hard to say how many DWIs are issued at each checkpoint, nine in one night is on the high side, he said.
"With all of the alternatives I don't know why some students choose to drink and drive," Brewer said. "Some just think it's easier to drive instead of waiting 10 or 15 minutes on a ride"