Susan K. Lamb, Democrat Managing Editor
A DUI checkpoint in Suwannee County that took place along with similar setups across the state over the weekend yielded seven arrests, including two for driving under the influence.
The checkpoint, set up by Suwannee County Sheriff Tony Cameron and his staff along with the Live Oak Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol, and overseen by Cameron began at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 and lasted until 3 a.m. in freezing temperatures. Traffic was stopped from both directions at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Opportunity Store on US 90 east of Live Oak by about a dozen officers who checked driver's licenses and lights and also looked for those driving under the influence (DUI). The team included Spanish-speaking officers as well as English speaking officers.
Cameron said he plans to conduct another DUI checkpoint this Friday, Dec. 23 in Suwannee County and advises citizens to heed the law and not drive while drinking.
The following people were arrested:
*Jose Perez, 47, Suwannee Farms, CR 349 - DUI- Perez posted $1,000 bond and was released.
*Winston Jacobo, 60, 849 Tara Trace - DUI. - Released on his own recognizance.
*Esequiel Duran, 33, 218 NW Benlin Drive, Lake City - No valid driver's license - Duran posted a $250 cash bond and was released.
*Bernardo Garcia, 22, 8th Avenue, Gainesville - No valid driver's license - Bond set at $250.
*Valentin Pasqual, 37, 1468 US 129 N, Lake City - No valid driver's license - Pasqual posted $250 bond was released.
*Jose Alberto Hernandez, 30, 14437 NW 143rd Street, Alachua - No driver's license - Hernandez posted $250 cash bond and was released.
*Eloy Olgium, 26, 11244 69th Lane, Live Oak - No driver's license - Olgium posted a $250 cash bond and was released.
