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Article published Jul 7, 2009 Holiday patrol nets several arrests, citations in Blount County
By Jessica Stith of The Daily Times Staff
Local law enforcement agencies swarmed through the county over the holiday weekend, netting numerous arrests and citations in traffic violations.
Alcoa, Blount County and Maryville joined together over the weekend in an effort to stop drunk drivers and other traffic violators through WASP -- Wide Area Saturation Patrol -- an initiative implemented by the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office.
Alcoa officers arrested four drivers during WASP, which included a charge of DUI, driving on a suspended driver's license, driving on a revoked driver's license and an outstanding warrant, Alcoa Police Sgt. Hank Morris said. Officers also seized two ounces of marijuana and turned the case over to the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force.Alcoa officers gave out 51 citations for light law violations, speeding, insurance violations, U-turns, registration violations, following too close, no driver's license, failure to maintain a traffic lane, stop sign violations, seat belt violations, violations of the open container law and red light violations. Six warning tickets were also given. Morris said officers watched for violators between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday throughout the city.
Blount County Sheriff's deputies watched for traffic violators from Friday night through Sunday night. Marian O'Briant, public information officer for the sheriff's office, said deputies made 14 arrests and gave 12 citations during WASP.
Four people were arrested in Blount County for DUI; one was arrested for driving without a license; two were arrested for driving on a suspended driver's license; four were arrested for driving on a revoked driver's license; and three people were arrested on outstanding warrants.
The 12 citations included violations of the open container law, speeding and insurance. Deputies also gave out 12 warning citations.
Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said Maryville officers spent the entire weekend watching for violators during WASP. Officers performed 74 traffic stops, arrested 22 people and cited 43 people.
Crisp said 13 field sobriety tests were performed in the city and eight people were arrested on DUI charges. Arrests also included two people driving on a suspended or revoked license, two people arrested on drug charges and 10 other arrests. Officers also seized three vehicles during the WASP.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Randy Huckeby said troopers were unable to participate in WASP locally, but said troopers arrested five people on DUI charges within the Blount and Monroe County district over the weekend. He said troopers also gave out numerous citations for speeding and seat belt violations.
Preliminary figures from the Tennessee Department of Safety showed eight people were killed in traffic crashes on Tennessee roadways during the 78-hour July 4th holiday period. This is a drop from the 11 fatalities that occurred during the 2008 July 4th holiday weekend.