WEEKEND CHECKPOINT NETS 60 CHARGES

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLN COUNTY -- With people hitting the road to go to Grandma's house Tuesday and Wednesday, authorities in Lincoln County want drivers to know they are watching for unsafe and unrestarined drivers.

And if a recent checkpoint is any indication, those type of drivers will be easily found.

Local and state law enforcement officers conducted the checkpoint Saturday night at the intersection of Maiden Highway and Clark Creek Road, which is north of Lincolnton.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies, the Catawba County Traffic Enforcement Unit, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol conducted the operation from 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m Sunday.

Officers arrested a wanted fugitive with 9 felony warrants ranging from assault to narcotics violations. A total of 11 people were booked into the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center on various charges.

In addition to warnings issued for minor traffic violations, officers issued the following citations:

15 Registration Law Violations
9 Expired inspection stickers
6 Equipment Violations
4 Child Safety Seat Violations
1 Seat Belt Violation
10 No Operator’s License
2 Restricted Driver’s License
10 Driving While License Were Revoked
2 Driving While Impaired
2 No Insurance
1 Simple Possession of Marijuana
1 Wanted Person

The State Batmobile was on site along with magistrates and Sheriff’s Office Detention Vans.

According to AAA of the Carolinas, more than one million people are expected to travel through North Carolina to Holiday destinations both for Christmas and New Years.