Three Arrested at DUI Checkpoint in Menifee

Three people were arrested on suspicion of DUI at a checkpoint in Menifee on Friday, Aug. 14 -- including one woman who refused to stop for police.

The checkpoint was conducted by Menifee Police on Highway 74 east of Paloma Road in the Romoland community between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. According to a police department news release, 683 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and 79 were directed on the inspection/evaluation area. Of those:

-- 15 drivers were given field sobriety tests
-- 3 DUI-Alcohol suspects were arrested
-- 1 DUI-Alcohol/Drug combination suspect was arrested
-- 34 drivers were cited and released for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended
-- 15 vehicles were towed

During the checkpoint, a female driver in a Dodge Stratus failed to stop for the checkpoint and accelerated eastbound on Highway 74. Officers stopped the vehicle at Highway 74 and Leon Road. The driver, 32-year-old Ember Bridwell of Murrieta, was determined to be DUI and was taken into custody.

Authorities said Bridwell was combative with deputies and refused to submit to a chemical test. A search warrant was obtained and a blood chemical test was completed. Bridwell has two prior DUI arrests.

Another DUI checkpoint will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 22 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.