Nearly 400 motorists were stopped during two sobriety checkpoints conducted in Canton over the weekend, resulting in multiple arrests and citations, according to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.
The checkpoints were held April 24 at 1801 Mahoning Road NE and in the 3700 block of Tuscarawas Street West. Officials said the effort was aimed at deterring impaired driving and improving roadway safety.
Authorities contacted a total of 396 drivers during the operation, which was funded in part by a grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The initiative also included assistance from the Beach City, Brewster, Canton and Massillon police departments.
As a result of the checkpoints:
- Three drivers were arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI);
- One driver was arrested on a gun-related charge;
- One driver was cited for an open container violation;
- Two drivers were cited for driving with a suspended license;
- One driver was cited for driving without a valid Ohio driver’s license;
- One driver was cited for failing to properly secure a child;
- Two drivers were cited for not wearing a seat belt; and
- One driver was cited for distracted driving.
Officials said sobriety checkpoints are conducted in accordance with state and federal guidelines and are designed to minimize inconvenience for law-abiding motorists while targeting impaired driving.
The sheriff’s office said it will continue to notify the public in advance of future checkpoints through local media and its official Facebook page.
