08/11/2026
On 08/07/26 the Vermilion Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted an OVI checkpoint on Liberty Ave. between Vermilion Rd. and Nantucket Place. I made the request to the OSHP for the checkpoint due to several very severe crashes on Liberty Ave. in that exact location in which the driver's being under the influcence was a primary factor contributing to the crashes. When you drive through that area, you will notice three newly installed telephone poles along the north side of the road which were replaced due to the crashes. The VPD is committed to the safety of our citizens and we will continue to be proactive in our OVI enforcment and will collaberate with our surrounding law enforcment agencies toward that end.
In 1990 The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that DUI/OVI sobriety checkpoints are constitutional under the Fourth Amendment, meaning law enforcement can legally stop drivers without individualized suspicion. This decding case was the Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz (1990). There are very specific requirements for a valid OVI checkpoint, including; advanced notice of the checkpoint, mathmatical selection, safety precautions, historical justification and minimal detention. All of these requirements were adhered to for this checkpoint.
I have attached the media release from Lt. Robinson of the OSHP Sandusky Post below. The VPD extends our sincere appreciation to the OSHP for their assistance.
Chief Holmes
**** Ohio State Highway Patrol new release ****
For Immediate Release: August 11, 2026
Contact: Lieutenant Shaun Robinson 419-625-6565
Ohio State Highway Patrol Liberty Avenue Checkpoint Results
Vermilion, Ohio - Statistical data shows there were 41 OVI-related crashes within a three mile radius of the checkpoint in the last three years. The State Highway Patrol also made 30 OVI arrests in this same time period within three miles of the OVI checkpoint. An analysis of local alcohol related crashes showed that Erie County was an area of concern to the officers assigned to the Sandusky Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Vermilion Police Department. With this in mind, on Friday, August 7th, the Ohio State Highway Patrol initiated an OVI checkpoint funded by federal grant funds. It was conducted on Liberty Avenue near Vermilion Road. The Vermilion Police Department also supplied officers, working side by side with OSHP officers, in cooperation for safety of motorists traveling throughout the area.
During the two-hour operation, 934 cars passed through the checkpoint. Drivers were delayed approximately 20 seconds while officers conversed with the motorists. Eight motorists were diverted for additional investigation. One of the eight diverted were charged with an open container violation. At the conclusion of the checkpoint, OSHP and the Vermilion Police Department increased road patrol through the night.
Lieutenant Shaun Robinson, Sandusky Post Commander stated “I would like to personally thank those motorists who designated a sober driver or made other travel arrangements after consuming alcohol. We hope this trend continues so that no more lives are lost through the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.”
