The Pennsylvania State Police announced the arrests of 492 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances during a two-day detail known as Operation Nighthawk. The enforcement initiative marked its 20th anniversary with a statewide campaign on Aug. 12-13.

“Over the past 20 years, Operation Nighthawk has been extremely successful at getting impaired drivers off the roads,” said Col. Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “We are grateful to our municipal and regional police partners who share our zero-tolerance approach to this serious crime.”

Statewide, 6,286 people were stopped, netting 492 DUI arrests, 2,219 citations, 4,051 other criminal arrests and 279 warrants served.

Locally, Troop L covering Schuylkill County stopped 357 people, netting 23 DUI arrests, 3 driving with a suspended license charges, 109 citations, 230 warnings, 15 other arrests and 5 people picked up on warrants.

Troop M covering Lehigh and Northampton counties stopped 323 people, netting 24 DUI arrests, 8 driving with a suspended license charges, 98 citations, 214 warnings, 15 other arrests and 9 warrants.

Troop N covering Carbon and Monroe counties stopped 313 people, netting 19 DUI arrests, 7 driving with a suspended license charges, 68 citations, 199 warnings, 17 other arrests and 6 warrants.

Operation Nighthawk teams municipal and regional police agencies with state police troopers for roving DUI enforcement patrols. To celebrate 20 years of success, this year’s statewide campaign took place at one location within every troop, excluding the turnpike stations.

More than 400 troopers and over 200 municipal police officers were involved in the two-day operation.

The Pennsylvania State Police reminds motorists that DUI convictions carry fines beginning at $300 plus court costs for first offenses of general impairment. Penalties increase for repeat offenses and higher levels of impairment, up to a maximum fine of $10,000 plus prison time and a license suspension.

More information on 2022 Operation Nighthawk enforcement, broken down by troop, is available here. For more statistical information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.