CHP makes 43 DUI arrests in county during 36 hour time frame this Memorial Day weekend

SAN DIEGO (Wire Service) - California Highway Patrol officers in San Diego County arrested 43 suspected drunken drivers between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. today (Sun., May 27), down from 51 drunken driving arrests made during the same time period last year, CHP officials said.

Statewide CHP officers made 845 suspected drunken driving arrests so far over Memorial Day weekend, according to CHP Officer Jesse Udovich. Last year, 897 drunken driving arrests were made, Udovich said.

Law enforcement agencies statewide also reported fewer fatalities than last year. Five vehicle occupants were killed this year compared to six during the same time period in 2011, Udovich said.

No fatalities were reported either year in San Diego County, Udovich said.

In Orange County, CHP officers made more suspected drunken driving arrests this year than last, Udovich said. Officers arrested 44 drivers who were allegedly under the influence this year compared with 35 during the same time period in 2011, he said.