Three-Day Enforcement Campaign Produces Hundreds Of Citations, Dozens Of DWI Arrests

Three-day initiative produces 1,582 traffic and criminal violations, 33 DWI charges and eight wanted persons apprehended

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – A three-day law enforcement initiative resulted in more than 1,500 traffic and criminal violations across Johnston County, highlighting what officials described as the power of interagency cooperation in promoting public safety.

The Johnston County Crime Suppression Operation was coordinated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol in Johnston County, and took place June 4-6. The effort brought together personnel from the Highway Patrol, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton Police Department, Princeton Police Department, Smithfield Police Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services BAT Bus program, and State Highway Patrol aviation units.

The project focused on reducing impaired driving, targeting criminal activity and increasing law enforcement visibility throughout Johnston County during evening and overnight hours.

Participating officers conducted saturation patrols and checking stations across the county.

According to project totals, officers conducted 33 checkpoints and saturation patrols and recorded 1,582 traffic and criminal violations during the three-day initiative. The majority of the citations and arrests were issued by the Highway Patrol and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

Among the most notable results were 33 driving while impaired charges, including three involving drivers under age 21. Officers also issued 428 speeding citations and 164 charges for driving while license revoked.

The operation also led to 20 drug violations, the seizure of six firearms, and the apprehension of eight wanted persons. Authorities additionally cited 81 motorists for seat belt violations and 29 child passenger safety violations.

In one incident during the operation, a State Highway Patrol trooper pursued a vehicle traveling 91 mph in a 55 mph zone on U.S. 301 north of Selma. The pursuit continued into the Selma town limits, where the driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot before being apprehended by troopers.

Troopers and deputies also encountered numerous motorists traveling at excessive speeds on US 70, Interstate 95 and Interstate 40. Several drivers were cited for speeds exceeding 100 mph during the three-day enforcement effort.

State Highway Patrol Sgt. Christopher Best said the operation demonstrated the value of agencies working together toward a common goal. “Through strong partnerships and coordinated enforcement efforts, participating agencies worked collectively to identify and address dangerous driving behaviors, deter criminal activity and promote safer communities. The operation reflects the ongoing commitment of local and state agencies to protecting the traveling public and underscores the value of interagency cooperation in advancing public safety.”

Best also thanked the participating agencies and Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell for providing facilities and support for the operation.

While many enforcement campaigns focus solely on traffic safety, officials said the Johnston County initiative was designed to address both roadway violations and criminal activity while strengthening working relationships among agencies that routinely respond to incidents throughout the county.