On Saturday, June 30th the Wareham Police Department and Massachusetts State Police joined in a cooperative effort to increase motor vehicle safety with intensive traffic patrols and a Sobriety Checkpoint on the Cranberry Hwy. (Rte. 6&28) for the purpose of removing intoxicated operators from the roadways.
During the traffic enforcement phase of the operation, Wareham officers and State troopers conducted over 140 motor vehicle stops and issued 105 citations for various motor vehicle infractions, including speeding, defective equipment, and other vehicle safety issues. Along with the issued citations, Mass State Police made an arrest of a male for the illegal possession of drugs.
Later in the night, State Police and Wareham officers conducted a Sobriety Checkpoint in the area of Sullivan Tire on Rte. 6&28. During the hours of 11:00 pm to 3:00 am, 610 vehicles were encountered at the checkpoint, where observations were made with regard to operators possibly operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As a result of the vehicles stopped at the checkpoint, 7 operators were placed under arrest for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, while three passengers were placed in Protective Custody, due to being intoxicated and unable to drive.
The operators placed under arrest were to be arraigned at the Wareham Fourth District Court on Monday, July 2, 2012.
Chief Richard Stanley commended the cooperative effort of the Mass. State Police and Wareham Police Department in the concerted effort toward the goal of increasing safety on the roadways of Wareham. Chief Stanley stated that the cooperative effort between the Wareham Police Department and the Mass. State Police will continue with further efforts and initiatives to keep motor vehicle safety a top priority.
