25 DUI Arrests: Pinellas County Wolf Pack Results

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Twenty-five people face DUI charges following Pinellas County’s Friday night DUI Wolf Pack patrol. The joint operation spearheaded by the sheriff’s office included participation from law enforcement agencies across the county.

According to the sheriff’s office, 25 people were charged with DUI during the one-night operation Dec. 16. All told, officers issued 42 criminal charges during the joint effort. Charges are as follows:

• 25 DUIs
• 4 Driving while license suspended and/or revoked with knowledge
• 2 Possession of a control substance (felony counts)
• 4 Possession of a controlled substances (misdemeanor counts)
• 1 Felony fleeing and eluding
• 2 Warrant arrests (felony)
• 2 Refusal to submit to breath testing
• 1 Unspecified felony arrest

Law enforcement officers also wrote 138 citations. They are as follows:

• 14 Driving while license suspended and/or revoked with knowledge
• 1 No valid driver’s license
• 7 No insurance
• 36 Speeding
• 5 Safety belt violations
• 2 Violation of driver’s license restrictions
• 3 Open container
• 25 Other non-moving violations
• 45 Other moving violations

In addition to the sheriff’s office, the Largo, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport, Indian Shores, Kenneth City, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs and Treasure Island police departments participated in the operation. The Florida Highway Patrol was involved, as well.

The Wolf Pack was dedicated to the memory of John Sorensen, 38. He was killed by a wrong-way driver in Dunedin on Jan. 30. Deputies say the driver, who was impaired, collided with Sorensen’s motorcycle.

“The operation was part of the Sheriff's Office ongoing commitment to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage associated with traffic crashes related to impaired driving,” an email from the agency said. “The goal of a Wolf Pack is to educate drivers and create public awareness about the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and any chemical or controlled substances.”

Similar operations take place throughout the year.

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