Police Begin Holiday Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign, Make First Arrest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2017

ST. HELENS POLICE DEPARTMENT BEGINS HOLIDAY IMPAIRED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN, MAKES FIRST ARREST

St. Helens, Ore. - In the early morning hours of Monday, December 18, officers of the St. Helens Police Department made their first impaired driving arrest as part of an increased effort to keep St. Helens streets safe this holiday season. 

The St. Helens Police Department is participating in a high visibility enforcement (HVE) campaign to crackdown on drunk, drugged and high drivers during the holiday season. The campaign increases the number of officers on the streets between December 15 and January 1, some of the most dangerous driving days of the year in the United States.

“Impaired driving has become an increasingly dangerous occurrence in St. Helens during the winter holiday season,” said Sgt. Jose Castilleja. “Our goal is simple, to deter people from driving after they’ve been drinking or using drugs, including marijuana, in order to save lives.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as many as 10,000 Americans die each year in alcohol related crashes. Over a five-year period, almost 4,000 people died in drunk driving crashes during December.

Officer Claus, St. Helens Police Department’s new honorary patrol officer, is participating in the campaign as well. At 8 a.m. on Monday, December 18, Officer Claus assisted St. Helens officers with a traffic stop of St. Helens resident Abominable T. Snowman after receiving calls of a driver swerving between lanes on Columbia Boulevard and sideswiping a parked vehicle.

Abominable was arrested on charges of DUII and reckless driving after his blood alcohol level measured at .16 percent, twice the legal limit in Oregon.

“Mr. Snowman admitted that he was driving home from a holiday party where he drank a little too much peppermint schnapps,” said Officer Claus. “He thought that he would be okay to drive the short distance back to his house. Clearly, that was not the case.”

Abominable is scheduled to be arraigned at the Columbia County Courthouse on Wednesday, December 20 and faces up to 365 days in jail and a maximum fine of $6,250.

“Mr. Snowman is very lucky that more serious property damage or injury to a pedestrian or fellow driver did not occur,” said Officer Claus. “However, his holiday season will be significantly less cheery this year as he faces potential jail time and fines. We hope that he can be a lesson to anyone that may consider drinking and driving during the holidays.”

Keep your holiday celebrations festive this season by following these important tips from Columbia County law enforcement agencies:

• Plan ahead. If you are planning to drink, plan ahead: volunteer to be a designated driver, designate a sober driver or arrange for a taxi to pick you up at a set time.
• Be responsible. If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and help your guests be responsible. Don't let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.
• Walking or bicycling after dark? Wear bright clothes to help you stand out.
• Buckle up, every trip, every time.
• Drive defensively at all times.

“Whatever you drive, whether it’s a sleigh or a car, be smart and safe this holiday season. If you’re impaired, you will be arrested,” said Sgt. Castilleja.

In addition to extra traffic patrols by St. Helens police officers, the community also has a role in keeping St. Helens roads safer. People are urged to immediately report dangerous and intoxicated drivers in Columbia County by calling 503-397-1521 or 911.

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Anyone with questions about the holiday impaired driving campaign can contact Chief Terry Moss at 503-397-3333, ext. 219 or 503-397-1521. He is available by email at terrym@ci.st-helens.or.us. 

Officer Claus was sworn in on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, as an honorary patrol officer for the St. Helens Police Department during the month of December. To learn more about Officer Claus and his work for the SHPD, visit the Department's website.