Police Make Two DUI Arrests

At Sobriety Checkpoint

During a sobriety checkpoint in Hawleyville held from 7 pm Friday, December 14, to 3 am Saturday, December 15, police made two arrests against motorists for driving under the influence, as well as issuing other violations and warnings to other drivers.

Eight patrol officers and one supervisor positioned themselves on Hawleyville Road, near its intersection with Covered Bridge Road. They stopped an estimated 700 vehicles during the checkpoint, representing all the traffic that was flowing in both directions on that street, also known as Route 25.

At such checkpoints, police methodically stop motorists to inquire whether they have used alcohol or drugs before driving.

At about 11:56 pm on December 14, police stopped motorist Pamela Junatolo-Boisvert, 27, of Bethel, to interview her. After investigating, police charged her with driving under the influence and with failure to renew a vehicular registration.

After processing the case, police released Junatolo-Boisvert on $100 bail for a January 2 appearance in Danbury Superior Court.

At about 1:44 am on December 15, police stopped motorist Cathy Altpfart, 37, of Monroe at the checkpoint, after which they interviewed her. Police charged her with driving under the influence. After processing, she posted $100 bail and was released for a January 3 court appearance, police said.

During the sobriety checkpoint, at about 12:19 am on December 15, police stopped motorist Shane Pupo, 19, of Simsbury. Police charged Pupo with driving while under suspension. Police released Pupo on a written promise to appear in court on January 3.

In other actions at the checkpoint, police issued motorists three infraction tickets for driving without a license, made six verbal warnings for failure to wear seatbelts, and issued 41 verbal warning for miscellaneous motor vehicle violations.

Police had five vehicles towed away from the checkpoint for various violations.

Three-quarters of the overtime pay which police receive for sobriety checkpoint duty is covered by a highway safety grant.