823 Arrested for DWI Midway Through Statewide Crackdown

In the first 11 days of a month-long statewide DWI enforcement campaign, preliminary reports from 191 law enforcement agencies indicate 823 DWI arrests were made, including six in Shakopee, according to Chief Jeff Tate.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety is coordinating the campaign that includes approximately 8,500 extra hours of DWI patrols. More than 400 agencies are involved in the campaign, according to a DPS news release.

Consequences for a DWI include loss of license for up to a year, up to $20,000 in legal costs and heightened insurance rates, and possible jail time.

DPS encourages Minnesotans to:

Plan for a safe ride — Designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration.

Report impaired driving — Call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior.