Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Operation Nighthawk Yields 91 DUI Arrests in Luzerne County



State troopers and municipal police officers arrested 91 intoxicated drivers during a weekend DUI enforcement initiative, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced today. The operation, hosted by Troop N, Hazleton, also resulted in 33 arrests for controlled substances.

One-hundred-and-six law enforcement officers participated in the initiative dubbed Operation  Nighthawk, a specialized and unique two-day training and enforcement program that has proven highly successful at reducing drinking and driving. The program combines classroom instruction, workshops on DUI case law, and roving DUI patrols.

Partnering law enforcement agencies included the Pennsylvania Game Commission and police departments in Bloomsburg, Courtdale, Freeland, Lehighton, and White Haven boroughs and the townships of Dallas, Hanover, Jackson, Kingston, Main, and Salem. 

Police conducted 1,026 stops and issued 347 traffic citations, including 28 for failing to wear a seat belt and 41 for driving while under suspension. Nineteen drivers had licenses suspended for previous DUI charges. Two minors were arrested for underage drinking.

In addition to the drug and alcohol charges, police arrested nine individuals for misdemeanor offenses, charged eight with felony crimes, and served 10 with warrants