SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 checkpoint, referred a man to Imperial County Sheriff’s Office suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol Tuesday night, with two children passengers.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m., when a 31-year-old man approached the checkpoint in a silver pick-up truck with two minor males, ages 14 and 11. During the agents’ immigration inspection, they suspected the man was under the influence of alcohol.
Agents contacted the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office out of concern for the motoring public and the safety of the minors in the vehicle.
At approximately 11:45 pm, a deputy from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office responded to the checkpoint and conducted a field sobriety test of the driver. The deputy determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle and placed him under arrest.
The man’s vehicle was impounded. A family member, who lived near-by, picked up his two minor children.
“Our agents did a good job in taking a clear public safety threat off the road,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim. “Our agents were concerned with the kids in the vehicle being at risk of being involved in a crash and the danger to other drivers on the road.”