07/03/2026
Don’t drink & drive…, but if one of your associates F around & found out… call Red
SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS REINFORCE SAFE DRIVING IN STARK COUNTY
CANTON, Ohio, July 1, 2026 – On June 26, 2026, the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with other members of the Stark County OVI Task Force, conducted two sobriety checkpoints in Lawrence Township—one in 8100 block of Manchester Avenue NW and the other in the 10800 block of Portage Street.
Sobriety checkpoints, also known as OVI (operating a vehicle while impaired) checkpoints, are primarily designed to deter and detect impaired drivers to reduce alcohol- or drug-related crashes and enhance road safety. Although they may cause brief delays, checkpoints are conducted in compliance with state and federal guidelines and are designed to minimize inconvenience for law-abiding motorists.
A total of 689 motorists were contacted during the operation, which was supported by grant funding from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. These high-visibility enforcement efforts included cooperation from the Beach City Police Department, Lawrence Township Police Department, and the Massillon Police Department.
As a result of the checkpoints:
• Two drivers were cited for driving without an Ohio driver’s license;
• Two drivers were cited for distracted driving violations; and
• Six drivers were issued other citations.
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office will continue to notify the public in advance of checkpoints through local media and its official page.