More Than 300 DWI Arrests This Year As Suffolk Sheriff Ramps Up Holiday Enforcement

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will step up DWI patrols through Christmas and New Year’s Eve as part of enhanced holiday enforcement aimed at keeping local roadways safe, Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. said.

Deputy sheriffs will conduct additional patrols and checkpoints throughout the county during the busy holiday period, when impaired driving historically increases, the sheriff said.

“Our deputy sheriffs continue to do an incredible job patrolling for impaired drivers,” Toulon said. “To date, they have surpassed last year’s DWI arrests by more than 100 — making many lifesaving arrests, including those under Leandra’s Law and incidents involving drugs. They are closing the year strong with enhanced DWI enforcement during this critical time so we can all safely celebrate the holidays with friends and family.”

The Sheriff’s Office DWI Enforcement Team has made a record 311 DWI arrests so far this year, according to officials. Those arrests include 48 aggravated DWI charges involving drivers with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher, 16 arrests involving drivers with prior DWI convictions, 21 arrests involving drug-related impairment, and two arrests under Leandra’s Law.

Leandra’s Law, formally known as the Child Passenger Protection Act, makes it an automatic felony to drive while intoxicated with a passenger age 15 or younger in the vehicle. The law was enacted following the 2009 death of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed while riding in a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver.

Last weekend alone, sheriff’s deputies arrested 11 drivers for impaired driving, officials said. Enforcement efforts will continue through the holiday season, including checkpoints conducted with partner agencies.

Residents are urged to plan ahead, designate sober drivers or use rideshare services and public transportation when celebrating, officials said.