Major Kane Co. DUI crackdown nets only 3 arrests
Kane County authorities were upbeat this week about a two-day DUI crackdown that resulted in just three arrests.
The "No Refusal" sting, where drivers can be held in contempt of court if they refuse court-ordered sobriety tests, took place March 14 and St. Patrick's Day in St. Charles.
"It seems St. Patrick's Day revelers made a conscious and wise decision to not drive if they were drinking alcohol," State's Attorney John Barsanti, whose office led the crackdown, said in a written statement. "And that's all anyone is asking."
This was the second time Kane County conducted an operation where suspected impaired drivers can be subject to court-ordered sobriety tests if they initially refuse.
In an interview, Barsanti said one driver initially resisted a sobriety test but eventually relented, while the others immediately complied. Police arrested a 28-year-old Elgin woman on the first night of the crackdown and two others - a 23-year-old Geneva woman and a 25-year-old Elgin man - on St. Patrick's Day.
"I wish we could have had a little more activity but the fact that nobody was getting stopped for drunken driving is a good thing, not a bad thing," Barsanti said. "People were thinking about consequences."
Six St. Charles police officers over the two days searched for erratic driving and conducted tavern checks while extra prosecutors were available to prepare search warrants and obtain a judge's signature on the spot. The effort was funded by state grants made up of court fees from prior DUI cases.
According to Barsanti's office, there were "brisk" crowds at taverns across the Tri-Cities area, as well as a noticeable increase in the use of taxis, around the holiday.
"It was evident that we had lots of activity in the bars, but without impaired drivers getting behind the wheel to go home," St. Charles Police Chief Jim Lamkin said in a news release. "So many using good judgment is impressive."
The first "No Refusal" sting in Kane County took place on Memorial Day last year and led to 14 arrests. One suspected impaired driver, however, still refused the court order and was later acquitted of contempt of court.
On Tuesday, Barsanti said his office's approach to the program is evolving as the courts respond, and may consider obstructing justice charges rather than contempt of court for drivers who resist a court order in future efforts.
Either way, Barsanti said he was not deterred by the latest results.
"My plan, as I speak right now, is to do it again," he said.