Members of the Montgomery County Police Alcohol Holiday Task Force will be devoting their full time and attention to detecting alcohol-related offenses this holiday season.

During the week of December 18, 19, 20 and 21, officers arrested 27 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI).

On Saturday, December 21, at approximately 12:53 a.m., task force officers initiated a traffic stop on a suspected impaired driver on southbound I-270 at exit 13. Officers observed signs of impairment upon approaching the vehicle. The driver performed poorly on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was arrested for DUI.

A search of his person revealed a loaded 9mm handgun. The driver had a valid concealed and carry permit through Maryland. Officers charged the driver with DUI offences and seized his handgun. After consulting with the Maryland Gun Center, officers filed for criminal charges against the driver for possessing his firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

At approximately 1:23 a.m., task force officers pulled over an impaired driver in the 500 block of Quince Orchard Road. The impaired driver showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

Officers arrested the driver for DUI and searched his vehicle, where they found three handguns and a long gun. The driver was charged with DUI and firearms offences.

**It should be noted that the above arrests include only those arrests made by task force officers and do not include the additional arrests made by patrol officers in the performance of their duties. Therefore, the overall number of DUI arrests made by officers during this time period is higher.