Four arrests made in Friday patrol on Belt Highway

By Jenna Wilson

Local law enforcement agencies partnered over the weekend to conduct a saturation patrol and promote safety along the Belt Highway.

According to a press release from the St. Joseph Police Department, officers conducted a four-hour saturation patrol on Friday using marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violation laws, focusing on violations associated with intoxicated driving and reckless driving.

Officers made four arrests and issued 22 citations and 40 warnings during the operation.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster complimented law enforcement agencies for their effort.

“The professionalism and teamwork of our dedicated officers and partner agencies not only enhance our community’s well-being, but also set a standard for excellence in law enforcement,” Luster said. “Thank you for going above and beyond to keep our roads safer for everyone.”

As a reminder, the police department is warning the community that consequences of reckless and/or impaired driving include jail time, loss of driving privileges, sentencing to use ignition interlock devices, and financial losses include attorney fees, court costs, increased insurance rates, lost time at work and the potential loss of a job.

“Reckless driving is a danger to all. If you drink always have a plan for how to get home. Drunk driving is not worth the consequences. If you drink and drive, you lose,” the release said.