First Avenue checkpoint nets few citations

Cedar Rapids Police conducted a traffic check point Friday night from 9:00 p.m until midnight on First Ave. SE in front of Coe College. Police inspected 149 vehicles, which netted only one arrest and three citations.

There were 15 units on the scene, including five state troopers and one Linn County Sheriff, according to Captain of Patrol Tom Johnker.

Officers were checking safety features, such as seat belts and lighting. They also checked for intoxicated drivers as well as proof of driver's license and insurance.

Police have recently decided to do these type of traffic checkpoints quarterly. This is their second time conducting a traffic checkpoint in the city this year. The last checkpoint was in the 2800 block of 6th St. SW.

“We're just hitting all areas of town,” Jonker said. “To let people know we're out and about.”

Joe Melsha, of Cedar Rapids, biked by the scene Friday night around 9 p.m. Melsha said he was glad to be on his bike instead of in a car.

“I think it's overkill and a waste of tax payer money,” Melsha said.

The results of the checkpoint:

Number of vehicles inspected: 149

Equipment warnings: 33

Traffic warnings: 23

Suspension citation: 1

Misc. citations: 2

PCS arrest: 1