A man in California was arrested for drunk driving shortly after the clock struck midnight on January 1st, after he made a rather unusual comment during a traffic stop, referring to himself as “the DUI.” This incident took place in Murrieta, a city in Southern California, and was later shared by the Murrieta Police Department on their official Instagram page with a bodycam video.
The situation began around 12:40 a.m. on January 1st, when Officer Bridgewaters noticed a vehicle swerving on the road. The officer immediately pulled the driver over, suspecting he might be under the influence of alcohol. During the stop, the officer inquired where the driver was coming from. The driver responded by saying, “I was just dropping off my friend because I’m the DUI tonight.”
The officer, somewhat taken aback, asked the driver, “You’re the DUI?” and then quickly corrected him, explaining that he likely meant to say he was the “DD” (designated driver) instead. The driver was silent for a moment before admitting he had consumed some champagne and beer earlier in the evening. Despite his claim of being the “DD,” the driver’s behavior suggested otherwise. He agreed to undergo field sobriety tests but struggled to maintain his balance, nearly falling over multiple times. As a result, the officer took him into custody for driving under the influence.
The Murrieta Police Department employs officers who are specifically trained to identify and investigate impaired drivers. These officers have additional training in DUI detection, which likely contributed to the quick and accurate assessment of the situation. The department also conducts regular DUI checkpoints as part of their efforts to reduce impaired driving and keep the community safe.
After the incident, the Murrieta Police Department used social media to remind everyone about the dangers of drunk driving. They emphasized that drunk driving is a serious issue, with 37 people dying each day in the United States due to alcohol-related accidents. The police urged people to celebrate responsibly and never drive under the influence.
This event serves as a reminder that even small mistakes or misunderstandings can have serious consequences when it comes to impaired driving. It also highlights the importance of designated drivers, who help keep roads safer during celebrations. The story of this driver’s arrest is not only a humorous moment due to his mix-up with the term “DUI” but also a stark reminder of the risks involved in driving while intoxicated.
