The first Santa Clarita arrest of the year was for DUI after illegal fireworks sent deputies to the area where the driver was located.

On Sunday, Jan. 1, less than an hour after the strike of midnight the first Santa Clarita arrest of the new year was made in Newhall, said Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

“Deputies first received a call for service regarding possible gunshots heard in Newhall, describing a white vehicle seen within the area,” Arriaga said.

When deputies arrived, they conducted a search of the area and observed a vehicle matching the suspect’s description returning to the scene, according to Arriaga.

“Deputies contacted the driver and detected a strong odor of alcohol from the driver’s breath,” Arriaga said.

Deputies conducted a field sobriety test which confirmed the driver had been driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Although it was later determined possible gunshots heard were the result of illegal firework activity, the driver was still arrested and booked for DUI, resulting in a not-so-great new year for him,” Arriaga said.

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