Sheriff’s Dept. Begins Extra Patrols for the Holidays

Deputies from the conducted a public intoxication/drug abuse sweep Wednesday night, targeting the coastal areas where the bars and restaurants are traditionally busy the night before Thanksgiving.

The detail began at 8 p.m. and lasted until 2 a.m. in Encinitas, Del Mar and Solana Beach, according to Deputy Marcello Orsini. Eight people were arrested during the sweep: three for suspicion of DUI, three for public intoxication and two minors in possession of alcohol.

The operation was part of the Holiday Watch program launched by Sheriff Bill Gore. Extra details are planned countywide until Jan. 1, including DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols, shopping mall command posts, curfew sweeps and probation and parole checks.

In Encinitas, Senior Volunteer Patrol members will be on high-visibility patrols Friday, both on foot and in marked cars, according to the Sheriff’s Department.