Clayton News Daily

Photo by Hugh Osteen

By Mehgaan Jones

mjones@news-daily.com

The Clayton County Police Department arrested 21 people, and cited 67 violators this past New Year's weekend, in what police call Operation "Safe Travel." It targeted drunk driving, traffic violations, and illegal alcohol sales.

According to Capt. Tina Daniel, a Clayton County police spokesperson, arrests ran the gamut of violations including DUIs, open containers, suspended licenses, giving a false name, VGCSA, (Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act), contributing to the delinquency of a minor and obstruction of an officer.

"The purpose of this operation was to increase traffic enforcement and visibility, in an effort to reduce DUI-related incidents on New Year's Eve," said Daniel.

The operation began on New Year's Eve, at 7 p.m., and ended on New Year's Day, at 3 a.m., the police spokeswoman said.

Daniel said authorities issued citations for minor traffic violations such as running red lights, and speeding.

"Multiple road checks were conducted, as well as the use of speed detection devices on the interstate and state highways," Daniel explained. She added, the road checks were conducted throughout the county, in high traffic areas.

Police also cited two local businesses for allegedly serving alcohol without a valid permit. "The violations occurred at The Penalty Box, on Highway 138, in Stockbridge, and Off Da Bonz, on Highway 42, in Rex," said Daniel. She said such citations help prevent alcohol from being served to persons who should not receive it.