Another ride-along down, another arrestless night.

During the few hours I spent with the California Highway Patrol and the Barstow Police Department at their sobriety checkpoint, we arrested no one for driving under the influence. My ride-along record currently stands at only one arrest, made with the Barstow PD several months ago.

I suspect the lack of intoxicated drivers passing through the checkpoint on Saturday night had little to do with prospective criminals knowing I would be there, pen, pad and camera in hand and much to do with the fact that a gaggle of CHP and police cars had set up shop on East Main Street near Muriel Drive.

The checkpoint began around 8 p.m., and by 10, very few vehicles rolled down Barstow’s main drag. With signs posted as far up as Yucca Avenue and the checkpoint designed to give motorists “an out” — an opportunity not to pass through the checkpoint — I suspect many bar patrons, and many sober drivers avoided the area completely. Plus, CHP and Barstow PD officers said with in hours of setting up the checkpoint, every bar in town would know where it is and warn their customers about driving home.

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CHP officer Zach Stumbaugh stops a car at the checkpoint on Saturday night.

CHP officer Dan Pence demonstrates a field sobriety test. In the background, Barstow police officer Lee Howard explains the test to new officer David Edwards.

CHP officers and Barstow PD officers search a car after a stop on Saturday night.