Sheriffs perform ‘safety checkpoints’

    On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office ran a four-hour “safety checkpoint” on U.S. Route 1 north toward Littleton during the hours of 6-10 p.m.
    The Sheriff’s Department had 146 vehicles travel through the checkpoint and of the 146 vehicles, 44 were selected for additional checking either by a predetermined number — every other car or every third vehicle, or by obvious violations such as loud exhaust, bald tires, no inspection or expired inspection.
    During these checks, 12 drivers were given warnings for seat belt violations, expired inspections, registrations and other miscellaneous safety violations. Several defect cards were issued for inadequate exhaust and/or broken headlights.
    “Several arrests were made for outstanding warrants, operating without a license or operating after suspension, violations of bail conditions and carrying dangerous knives,” Deputy Craig Clossey said. “In all, 10 summons were issued and in the case of the outstanding warrant, that person was taken to the County Jail to post bail. The detail was a huge success and the response from the public was very positive.”