St. Patrick’s Day saw few DWI arrests

Only 246 people were arrested for DWI on St. Patrick’s Day despite extra patrols, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported.

The last time the holiday fell on a Saturday, like it did this year, was in 2007, and 527 motorists were arrested for DWI. In a typical weekend in Minnesota, 170 motorists are arrested.

The lower arrest count this year could be because more people are not drinking and driving, officials said. Still, the DPS has not yet received arrest information from all law enforcement agencies in the state, and the number is likely to go up as those numbers come in.

“Given the weekend circumstances and the nice weather, the lower arrest numbers may mean that people used safe alternatives,” said Lt. Eric Roseke of the State Patrol. “Our hope is people will continue to plan ahead for a sober ride whenever they plan on celebrating with alcohol as a component.”

Tags: crime and courts, news, minnesota