Norman police arrested six drivers for DUI and seized four firearms from intoxicated motorists during a three-hour checkpoint Sept. 5.

Officers also filed three child endangerment charges and issued two open-container citations at the checkpoint near 108th Avenue NE and Alameda Drive, the Norman Police Department said. The department did not specify whether the drivers charged with child endangerment were among the six arrested for DUI.

The Labor Day weekend operation ran from about 6 to 9 p.m. Four agencies staffed the stop: Norman police, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office deputies, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers and Oklahoma State Park Rangers. Together they contacted 303 drivers.

The department said the checkpoint was designed to identify impaired drivers and keep other motorists, passengers and pedestrians safe.

Norman police Lt. Barry Grippen said in a statement Sept. 8 that the scope of what officers found went well beyond impaired driving.

"Our officers and partner agencies encountered far more than impaired driving violations … they identified children being placed in danger and firearms in the possession of intoxicated drivers," Grippen said. "These are serious public safety concerns."

Grippen called the results proof that coordinated, multi-agency enforcement works. He said every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential crash, injury or death prevented.

Four drivers found to be intoxicated had firearms in their vehicles. Norman police did not release details on the types of weapons or whether any charges beyond DUI were filed in connection with the firearms.

The checkpoint was funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO). The department did not disclose the grant amount.

Norman police urged residents to arrange a sober ride before drinking or using any impairing substance. The department noted that impairment can result from alcohol, prescription medication, illegal drugs or a combination.