Media

Metro D.U.I. Squad Arrests Almost 50 People In Thanksgiving Holiday Effort

Release Date: December 1, 2003

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell, Jr. says the Metro D.U.I. Unit made a significant effort to rid drivers under the influence from causing traffic crashes.

“We had our officers on high alert throughout the holiday weekend. Working at various intersections and conducting “zero tolerance” on all traffic violations, kept us from having any fatalities as a result of a driver under the influence,” said Sheriff Luttrell.

Officers from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Memphis Police Department and Germantown Police Department took part in the enforcement effort.

Here are the results of the D.U.I. initiative:

• DUI Arrests 43
• Other Arrests 4
• Total Arrests 47

Of those 47 arrests, one was a felony charge, one fugitive was captured, and one weapon was recovered. During the holiday period, there were 14 traffic crashes in Shelby County due to drivers under the influence.

Besides the traffic enforcement effort, Shelby County Sheriff's Reserve Deputies visited 26 restaurants and bars to urge patrons not to drink and drive. “This community relations effort was very successful. Business owners appreciated the in-person visit by deputies. More than 400 buttons which said, “Designate before You Celebrate” were given to employees and customers. We can't help but feel this kept many impaired drivers off the roadways,” said Sheriff Luttrell.

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