<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 11
–>
The Coachella Police Department, as part of a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint set up on Avenue 48 at Jackson Street Friday, made seven arrests and issued 49 citations, officials said.
A total of 519 vehicles moved through the checkpoint between the hours of 7 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday. From that group, 480 vehicles were screened, officials said.
Police arrested and jailed:
• Luis Vargas, 30, of Mecca, Ninfa Galvan, 35, of La Quinta, and Eden Garcia, 46, of Coachella, all on charges of driving while intoxicated.
• Marcos Munoz, 33, of Indio, on a charge of assault to a peace officer and a parole violation warrant.
• Teresa Cruz, 31, of Blythe, on a narcotics warrant.
• Rogelio Estrada, 44, of Coachella, on a domestic violence warrant.
• Kia Tucker, 29, of Indio, on charges of possessing methamphetamine and violating probation.
Of the 49 citations, six were on charges of driving with a suspended license and seven for driving without a driver’s license, officials said.
Twenty-six hazardous equipment tickets were issued, police said, and 10 vehicles were towed.
Funding for the operation was provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
