Bend DUII arrests spike before holiday weekend

We’re starting off a holiday weekend, which many times means something different for on-the-job law enforcement than for the rest of us.

One might assume a high number of DUII arrests occur on Memorial Day weekend, but before there was a chance to see if that’s true, Bend police said they arrested 11 people for driving under the influence last weekend.

Ten of them involved alcohol, and one of them resulted in the driver smashing into a house, causing serious damage.

A police spokesman said Friday that arrest number is higher than normal. And he’s got advice for those who’d rather not be pulled over Memorial Day weekend.

“We want people to enjoy themselves, but be sure to take the precautions,” Lt. Clint Burleigh said. “If you do go enjoy yourself with alcohol and marijuana, make sure to get the ride-shares, or get the taxi companies or have a designated driver.”

Burleigh said Bend police won’t have an increased presence this weekend, though several other agencies will. The lieutenant said the department has confidence their officers can catch impaired drivers without needing extra help.