Danville safety checkpoints announced

The Danville Police Department will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints throughout June, July and August. The checkpoints will be at designated areas on highways where statistics have shown an elevated number of vehicle crashes.

During the checkpoints, officers will be enforcing laws related to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, licensing of motor vehicles and operators, registration and insurance violations, seat belt and child restraint violations and motor vehicle equipment violations.

These roadway locations include but are not limited to Main Street, Fourth Street, Third Street, Hustonville Road and Lexington Avenue.

According to a DPD news release, traffic safety checkpoints are a valuable tool used to promote the safety and well-being of the public as well as providing police with visibility and interaction with the community. Checkpoints are utilized throughout the Commonwealth to help promote highway safety.

Hit and run arrest

A Danville man was arrested after he ran the driver of a moped off the road Thursday evening then left the scene.

Brent Thomas, 54, of Danville, and his passenger were traveling southbound on a moped on Holladay Drive when he was forced off the road by the driver of a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu who had been following him then drove away, according to Danville Police.

Through witness accounts, police located and identified the driver of the car as Peter Thomas, 33, of Danville, but he is not related to the victim, police said.

Peter Thomas was arrested for first-degree wanton endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident or failure to render aid. He was lodged in the Boyle County Detention Center following the incident. Sgt. Chase Broach is the investigating officer.