ENCINITAS (CBS 8) - More than two dozen people were arrested Thanksgiving Eve in the North County for alcohol-related crimes.
“We want to decrease public intoxicated patrons that sometimes walk out in front of traffic, walk out in front of trains, they are involved in fights and victims of crimes,” said Lt. Rich Williams, San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
From 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. 30 deputies and Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) agents patrolled the “drunk in Public” sweep along Highway 101 from Del Mar, Solana Beach to Encinitas Wednesday night.
San Diego County Sheriff's Department provided video for during the sweep and showed many arrestees including a woman who tried to resist and used her foot to slam the door of the patrol car, “No, I'm, not getting in the (expletive) car. I'm not getting into the car.”
Some of the violations included public drunkenness, carrying open containers and public nudity.
“Those folks that are too drunk to care themselves are in danger of getting hurt, causing an accident or getting someone else hurt,” said Lt. Williams.
Those arrested were taken to the Vista jail and spent 8 to 12 hours in a sobering cell.
“It's the holiday season and we understand alcohol is part of many holiday celebrations but we want everyone to get home safe after those celebrations,” said Williams.
Public Intoxication is a misdemeanor crime and carries a $1,000 fine.
If a bartender is caught over serving someone, the liquor licensee could face a $3,000 fine have his/her alcohol license suspended or revoked.
The sheriff's department Holiday Watch program will operate until January. ABC is helping assist with a $100,000 grant.
If you suspect someone who has had too much to drink call the Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or the non-emergency line at (858) 565-2000.