Atlanta police arrest 500 in roadblock stops

ATLANTA - A law enforcement task force says it made more than 500 arrests for traffic offenses in a two-day sweep in metro Atlanta.

The multi-agency effort used roadblocks to catch drivers on a range of charges from drunken driving to having outstanding warrants for armed robbery.

Lt. Ron Miniatis of the Atlanta Police Department says the number of arrests during the sweeps Thursday and Friday exceeded the task force's expectations. Traffic stops were performed on highways and neighborhood streets.

Police say the aim of the Thunder Task Force is to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities as well as reduce crime in general.