Officers wrap up holiday patrols
By Gary Popp
Published in News on January 3, 2012 2:01 PM
The Goldsboro Police Department reported a total of 1,097 traffic and criminal violations during its recent Booze It and Lose it Campaign -- including one woman who didn't even realize she had been in an accident.
As the department's largest patrol campaign of the year was wrapping up Monday, officer D.M. Summerlin found evidence of an unreported wreck site on Spence Avenue near the intersection of Hillcrest Drive.
According to his report, Summerlin found skid marks, a vehicle's front bumper lying on the ground and a damaged speed limit sign, all indicating a vehicle had run off the roadway, struck a sign and left the scene. A short time later, at about 3 a.m., Summerlin then saw a Jeep SUV with front end damage and one tire missing traveling on Gulley Street.
According to his report, after Summerlin stopped the vehicle, he found that the "driver appeared very intoxicated and had no idea her vehicle was damaged." Johanna Gibbs, 25, of 1692 Lancaster Road, Pikeville, was charged with driving while impaired.
Ms. Gibbs later confirmed the bumper and "Carolina Girl" tag found at wreck site were her property, according to the report.
She was placed under a $1,000 unsecured bond.
The police department's Booze It and Lose It Campaign began Dec. 3.
Capt. J.J. Biggins said patrolmen are on heightened watch during the holiday season in response to the increase in alcohol consumption and the number of drivers on the roadways.
The following information represents the arrests, charges and citations made by the department's patrol division during the five-week campaign:
* 33 people were charged with driving while impaired. Three of those people were under the age of 21.
* 27 people were cited with seat belt violations, including 17 child passenger safety violations.
* 17 drug violations were cited.
*384 speeding violations were issued.
* 78 driving while license revoked violations were issued.
* 23 citations were issued to people driving without proper insurance.
* 10 citations were issued for reckless driving.
* 2 stolen vehicles were reported recovered.
* 22 people with outstanding warrants were apprehended.
The alcohol-related charges issued in Wayne County by the state Highway Patrol during New Year's weekend were on par with typical end-of-the-year violations, Highway Patrol 1st Sgt. Jerry Burton said.
From Friday through Sunday, two people were charged with driving while impaired; one person was charged with underage drinking; and two charges were issued for possession of alcohol in a vehicle.
Burton said the New Year's weekend might have an increase use of alcohol, but people often take precautions, resulting in fewer DWI charges.
"Normally, New Year's weekend is lower because people make a conscious effort that if they are going to drink, they are going stay home or have a designated driver."