LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — North Las Vegas police are participating in a statewide impaired driving enforcement campaign that runs through February 22, targeting drivers and riders operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.

The North Las Vegas Police Department is conducting saturated patrols as part of Nevada’s Joining Forces initiative, a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program aimed at reducing preventable crashes, injuries and fatalities on local roadways.

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During the campaign, NLVPD officers will focus specifically on identifying impaired drivers and riders. Officials say impaired driving remains one of the most dangerous and preventable behaviors on Nevada roadways.

For families like Martina Suarez, the enforcement campaign carries deep personal meaning. Four months ago, her son Cristofer was struck and killed by an impaired driver while walking to school.

“There’s a lot of innocent people and a lot of the times which I feel like was my son’s case, people party all night, so you’re not even, you didn’t get drunk at 7 in the morning, you were drunk all night and there’s innocent people going to work. Walking to the bus stop. Kids like my son going to school and it’s not fair,” Suarez said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair judgment, reaction time, coordination and decision-making.

Drug-impaired driving including impairment from prescription medications, illegal drugs or cannabis also poses a serious and growing risk to roadway safety.

Police emphasize that impaired driving doesn’t only endanger the impaired driver or rider. It places passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and first responders at risk every time someone chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired.

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The Joining Forces program is funded by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety and supports agencies across Nevada in conducting targeted traffic enforcement. The campaign is part of Nevada’s Zero Fatalities initiative, an ongoing statewide effort to eliminate traffic-related deaths on Nevada roadways.

Officials urge drivers to plan ahead: designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation if impaired. The message is clear if you’re impaired, don’t drive.

A Nevada Highway Patrol trooper shot at a person who they say pointed a gun at them during a traffic stop early Sunday, according to a news release.

Troopers stopped a driver near the southbound Interstate 15 on-ramp at St. Rose Parkway at 12:48 a.m for failing to stop at a red light, according to Nevada State Police release. During the stop, the troopers saw signs of impairment and asked the driver to exit their vehicle.

The driver refused the trooper’s directions and pointed a firearm at the troopers, according to the release. The trooper shot their gun into the driver’s side window. The driver was taken into custody and to the hospital, then booked into the Clark County Detention Center.

No serious injuries were reported for the driver or the troopers. Police did not name the individual in the release.

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.