Just two hours at the intersection of two busy highways led to 62 traffic violations and two arrests last Friday.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and seven other agencies combined for the checking station at N.C. 11 and N.C. 87 at Riegelwood. Police from Lumberton and Tabor City, along with deputies from Robeson and Brunswick, troopers from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles License and Theft section, and the Forensic Testing for Alcohol Branch of the Division of Health and Human Services teamed up for the effort. Approximately 40 personnel were involved in the checkpoint.
The Columbus Sheriff’s Office reported that two arrest were made on drug and other charges, along with 15 drug offenses. One person was charged with a concealed weapon violation. Ten were cited for driving with no license, and 14 for tag violations. Three drivers were cited for driving while license revoked.
Six citations for open containers of alcohol were issued, and one person was charged with underage possession of alcohol. Another person was charged with failure to stop for blue lights.
Other violations included charges for tint violations, child restraint, seatbelts, inspection and equipment.
The checkpoint ran from 9-11 p.m., with officers at each side of the intersection.
The DHHS Mobile Lab – known as the BATMobile – allowed officers to handle paperwork, perform sobriety tests, fingerprint individuals, and take suspects before a magistrate on the scene. The converted recreational vehicle is one of eight working across the state. The mobile labs help officers having to make a trip to a magistrate or a jail every time a suspect needs to be processed or charged.
“We would like to sincerely thank each officer and agency that participated in this operation,” Sheriff Jody Greene said. “Thank you for your time and dedication.”
