OVI Checkpoints in Auglaize County, Ohio

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
Saint MaryOVI checkpoint set up on Celina Road in Auglaize County.Friday, June 20, 2025 From 7 PM to 9 PM
WapakonetaOVI Checking - County Road 25A in Near Wapakoneta Auglaize CountyFriday, June 28, 2024 From 7 PM to 9 PM

 

About Auglaize County, Ohio

Auglaize County sits in west-central Ohio, bordered by Allen, Shelby, Mercer, and Logan counties. The largest cities and towns include Wapakoneta (the county seat), St. Marys, New Bremen, and Minster. Although it’s largely rural, the county contains major transportation routes like Interstate 75, U.S. Route 33, and State Routes 29 and 66, making it a common corridor for regional travel.

With several industrial employers, a strong bar-and-restaurant scene, and seasonal community events, Auglaize County sees regular OVI enforcement activities — including sobriety checkpoints. The agencies most commonly involved are the Ohio State Highway Patrol (Wapakoneta Post), Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, and local departments such as Wapakoneta PD and St. Marys PD.

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Auglaize County

Below are known checkpoint hotspots in Auglaize County. These locations have been chosen based on past DUI activity, traffic volume, and proximity to entertainment zones, high-speed corridors, and event venues.

I-75 Corridor – Wapakoneta to Cridersville (Exits 111–117)

Checkpoint Zone:

  • Exit 111 (Bellefontaine St/SR 67) through Exit 117 (Cridersville)

  • Especially near Kossuth Rd, Bellefontaine St, and Redskin Trail

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Wapakoneta High School (1 Redskin Trail)

  • Armstrong Air & Space Museum (500 Apollo Dr)

  • Walmart Supercenter (1257 Bellefontaine St)

  • Bob Evans and Fricker’s (both near Exit 111)

Why it’s targeted: This stretch is a high-volume traffic zone, especially during weekends and holidays. I-75 connects directly to downtown Wapakoneta and several hotels and restaurants near Exit 111. Police often place checkpoints at the intersection of Bellefontaine St and Lincoln Ave, where cars come off the interstate into town.

Law Enforcement: Ohio State Highway Patrol (Wapakoneta Post) with assistance from Wapakoneta PD

US Route 33 – Between St. Marys and Uniopolis

Checkpoint Zone:

  • St. Marys River Bridge area, east toward Uniopolis and SR 385

  • Focus on intersections with Townline-Lima Rd, SR 66, and Kettlersville Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Grand Lake St. Marys State Park

  • KC Geiger Park

  • Shell and Marathon stations at SR 66 & US 33

  • The Fountain Restaurant & Bar

Why it’s targeted: This stretch is a known DUI corridor between St. Marys and Wapakoneta. It’s heavily traveled by both locals and tourists heading to Grand Lake in the summer. OSHP and the Auglaize County Sheriff have conducted mobile and fixed checkpoints along this rural highway, especially during fishing tournaments, boating weekends, and summer festivals.

Law Enforcement: OSHP and Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office

State Route 29 – Wapakoneta to New Knoxville

Checkpoint Area:

  • Between Middle Pike, Glynwood Rd, and Townline-Lima Rd

  • Checkpoints sometimes appear at the intersection of SR 29 and Cemetery Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Wapakoneta Country Club (1873 Bellefontaine St)

  • Rolling Hills Golf Club

  • Auglaize County Fairgrounds (1001 Fairview Dr)

Why it’s targeted: This portion of SR 29 serves as a main east-west artery between smaller towns and industrial parks. It’s a favored road for drivers avoiding I-75, especially after local events like the Auglaize County Fair, which attracts large nighttime crowds. Law enforcement frequently positions OVI checkpoints near major curve sections for visibility and safety.

Law Enforcement: Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office and OSHP

Downtown Wapakoneta – Willipie St, Perry St, and Auglaize St

Checkpoint Focus:

  • Along Willipie St near Auglaize St and Mechanic St

  • Close to Heritage Park, downtown bars, and the Neil Armstrong Museum area

Nearby Landmarks:

  • J. Marie’s Wood-Fired Kitchen

  • Alpha Cafe (a known bar spot)

  • Downtown parking zones near the Courthouse (201 Willipie St)

Why it’s targeted: Downtown Wapakoneta sees a surge in pedestrian and vehicle traffic on weekends and during events like Summer Moon Festival or holiday parades. Police often set up roaming or temporary OVI stops near downtown intersections where bar-hopping is common.

Law Enforcement: Wapakoneta Police Department

St. Marys – Celina Rd (SR 29) & State Route 66 North

Checkpoint Focus:

  • SR 66 (Celina Rd) between St. Marys River Bridge and Greenville Rd

  • From Knoxville Ave to McKinley Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Bud’s Pizza & Drive Thru

  • Speedway & Shell gas stations

  • St. Marys Memorial High School

Why it’s targeted: This corridor serves both commuter and recreational traffic with easy access to St. Marys’ lakefront and commercial center. Bars, drive-thrus, and fast-food spots line the area, making it a popular after-hours route. Police have regularly staged checkpoints in front of the Bud’s Pizza lot or just north at the Dollar General intersection.

Law Enforcement: St. Marys PD with OSHP support

New Bremen / Minster Zone – SR 66 and SR 274 Intersection

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR 66 southbound near Plank Rd and SR 274

  • New Bremen’s downtown area and west toward Minster

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Lock One Park

  • New Bremen Coffee Co. & Books

  • Wooden Shoe Inn (Minster)

Why it’s targeted: Though more rural, this zone sees holiday checkpoint activity, especially during Minster Oktoberfest and New Bremen Summer Fest. Police focus on routes leading to and from festival grounds, using school parking lots or side streets like Wuebker Rd as staging areas.

Law Enforcement: Local PDs (Minster & New Bremen) with county backup

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Auglaize County?

  • Most active days: Fridays & Saturdays

  • Typical hours: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

  • Key enforcement windows:

    • Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends

    • New Year’s Eve

    • Oktoberfest and county fairs

    • Local high school football nights and festivals

Checkpoints are usually announced in advance, as required by Ohio law, but precise locations often go public just hours before deployment. Look out for news updates from the OSHP Wapakoneta Post and Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office during high-risk weekends.