Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden
Public Information Officer
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Douglas County Deputies Worked Hard to Keep Others Safe during St. Patrick’s Day Holiday

Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office made a total of thirteen DUI arrests during the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday from 03/12/2010 through 03/18/2010. Here is a quick breakdown of a few of those arrested:

45 year old male from Texas called in as a REDDI report
37 year old male, undocumented alien from Mexico
39 year old female from Iowa, was speeding as well
19 year old female
41 year old male on a motorcycle
37 year old California resident who was speeding
24 year old male who was speeding at least 100 mph in a 45 mph zone
47 year old female who had just smoked marijuana and was speeding 88mph in 50 mph zone
25 year old male driving on his cars rims after crashing into a curb

“It is unfortunate that even after the multiple messages that law enforcement agencies send out on the dangers of drinking and driving there are those that still make the decision to put themselves and others in danger. These enforcement periods just show the public that we are serious about identifying drunk drivers, pulling them over and holding them accountable. It will be a very expensive lesson for them to learn,” stated Sheriff David A. Weaver.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Increasing DUI Enforcement for Upcoming Holiday

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired drivers during the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday. On Wednesday, March 17, 2010, from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, utilizing Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) grant funds, will be conducting DUI Saturation Patrols throughout unincorporated Douglas County.

These patrols will be on roadways that have been identified as problem areas for accidents and high incidents of DUI arrests. The Sheriff’s Office will have extra officers working whose primary focus will be to apprehend intoxicated and impaired drivers.

submitted by Heather Halpape, CDOT
Colorado State Patrol, PIO

A DUI Could Cost You a Pot O’ Gold this St. Patrick’s Day 6-Day Heat Is On DUI Crackdown Starts Friday

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and statewide law enforcement agencies are warning Coloradans not to press their luck by drinking and driving this St. Patrick’s Day or the days leading up to it. The Colorado State Patrol and 72 law enforcement agencies are conducting a Heat Is On crackdown beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 12 and continuing through 3 a.m. on Thursday, March 18.

Last year, three people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period in Colorado, and law enforcement agencies made 668 DUI arrests statewide.

“St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays when we know a lot of people are drinking,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “We want people to have a good time, but we’re also encouraging people to designate a sober driver before the first pint is poured. Make the right decision before you head to the bar by thinking about how you will get safely home. The last thing you want is to end up in jail and spend thousands of dollars on a bad decision.”

The average cost of a DUI is $10, 270, including fines, defense fees, and a big insurance premium increase.

“It’s no secret that it is a tradition for many to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with alcohol, but we don’t want that celebration to spill over behind the wheel,” said Pam Hutton, governor’s representative for Highway Safety at CDOT. “Many people don’t realize the costs involved if you drink and drive. First and foremost is the possible cost of a human life, but there are also major monetary expenses. It’s not worth it.”

CDOT will be reminding St. Patrick’s Day celebrators that a DUI amounts to spending a “pot o’ gold” with a float in the Denver and Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day parades on Saturday. There will also be teams of people visiting Irish pubs and bars to remind drinkers to designate a sober driver or take public transportation.

Colorado State Patrol Troop 4B-Fruita plans to conduct a sobriety checkpoint on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th. The entire Colorado State Patrol and the following 72 police and sheriffs’ departments have planned increased patrols and saturations patrols throughout the enforcement period.