Police to DUI fugitives: 'We're going to come find you'

Police reminded accused DUI offenders the importance of showing up to court and alcohol recovery programs.

Officers said some offenders believe police won't have the "manpower" to find them, but that is not the case, officials said.

On Sunday, "high-risk" DUI offenders got a visit from Visalia police officers.

With arrest warrants in hand, officers knocked on 45 doors throughout the city in search of DUI offenders. Those arrested during the detail either failed to show up for a court date or violated terms of their probation, officers said.

"The best bet for anyone with a missed DUI court date is to go to court on their own now," said Sgt. Mike Verissimo. "If you don't, that warrant isn't going away. We're going to come find you."

The people contacted by police during Sunday's detail could face jail time and hefty court fines. Additionally, when family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can face embarrassment, Verissimo said.

By holding DUI warrant service details and "high visibility" DUI enforcement, police believe DUI incidents decrease.

"Visalia Police Department places a high priority on lowering deaths and injury with the goal of removing impaired drivers and heightening awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol," Verissimo said.

While 45 warrants were handed out, four people were arrested during the detail:

Sara Eusebio Castro, 27

Richard Portillo, 38

Pedro Rios, 19

Gabriel Murillo, 19

In 2017, officers with the Visalia Traffic Unit issued 395 DUI-related citations — less than the 484 issued in 2016. Officers conducted eight DUI checkpoints and 23 DUI saturation patrols last year.

The last DUI warrant detail was held in October 2017. During the detail, officers issued 50 warrants and arrested four people.

Funding for the DUI details is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Police are asking anyone who suspects someone of drunken driving to call 911.