A routine DWI checkpoint in Stamford Friday led to more than a dozen violations and the arrest of a suspected drug dealer.

The checkpoint was set up on Bedford Street in front of Stamford police headquarters. The motorists were hit with a variety of charges such as driving while intoxicated, driving while holding their cell phone and not wearing a seat belt.

?It?s kind of ironic, you can set up a DWI checkpoint in front of the police department and still come up with drunk drivers and people talking on their cell phones when they shouldn?t be,? Lt. Sean Cooney of the Stamford Police Department said.

About a dozen drivers received tickets for the violations.

On Stamford's west side, a suspected drug dealer was being pursued by police after running a red light. Police broke off the chase, but the suspect drove right into the checkpoint.

Officials say 24-year-old Gifton Bagallo, of Stamford, was arrested after he was wrestled to the ground. He is being charged with running a red light and engaging police in a pursuit.

Police say they did not find any drugs on Bagallo. He is free on $2,500 bond.

Police say Bagallo was arrested two weeks ago with a large amount of cash and narcotics.