New Mexico man indicted for 10th DWI arrest

Las Cruces, NM

A Summary: At 4:30 PM, a homeless man with 9 previous DWI arrests, still drunk from the night before, was pulled over while acting as the designated driver for his passenger, a man the cop (who once arrested a man with 23 prior DWIs) previously had arrested twice for DWI.

A homeless man was indicted Thursday after his 10th DWI arrest, according to court records.

The officer who arrested him said it is not the first time he has seen a 10-time offender.

Jose A. Gonzalez, 54, who once listed an address in La Mesa, N.M., was pulled over Jan. 5 for speeding in Vado, said arresting officer New Mexico State Police Patrolman Diego Herrera. Herrera said when he turned his siren on, he noticed Gonzalez attempt to turn away and almost hit a light pole. When Herrera walked up to the car he said he smelled alcohol and noticed several beer cans in the car. Herrera said when he asked Gonzalez to step out of the vehicle, he could not stand on his own and had to use the car to balance himself.

"What I remember the most about this arrest is that it was 4:30 in the afternoon and he said he was hung over from the night before," Herrera said. "I recognized the passenger. I had arrested him twice before for DWI."

Gonzalez refused a breath alcohol or blood test and was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, Herrera said. More >>

Proposed Oklahoma law would mark the driver licenses of convicted drunk drivers

Glynn Birch, the President of MADD.
He may be against drunk driving, but he's nobody's mother.

Oklahoma City, OK

A proposed law in Oklahoma appears to be among the first in the nation that would require convicted drunken drivers to have a special mark placed on their driver's licenses.

Lawmakers hope the designation, which would remain on licenses for up to four years, will induce bartenders and others to refuse to sell as much alcohol to those with previous drunken driving convictions.

But the proposal has been criticized by civil liberties advocates and questioned by activists.

"I think it is yet another example of an attempt by the legislature to put a scarlet letter on some of its citizens," said C.S. Thornton, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma. "It seems like they are trying to stigmatize someone just to heap on punishment. But the effect of that particular punishment is questionable. What is that really going to do to reduce drinking and driving?"

States have tried a variety of ways to combat drunken driving, including suspending licenses and using car ignition locks that require alcohol breath tests. Three states require some drunken drivers to use special license plates. Virginia and New York have proposed to do same, but other states have a tried and abandoned similar license plate measures.

No states currently require convicted drunken drivers to have a notation on their licenses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In a statement, Mothers Against Drunk Driving president Glynn Birch said, "MADD focuses on research-based, scientific efforts that will result in reduced repeat offenses." MADD supports such measures as ignition locks and license revocation as the best ways to reduce drunken driving. More >>

Mother of MADD leader edits, self-publishes daughter's journal

Millville, NJ

The diary was 600 pages. The book is 66 pages. The diarist, "spent years taking morphine and Valium." Coincidence? I think not.

Hopefully, she wasn't driving.

In the time between her untimely death in May 2000, and the car accident that changed her life nearly 20 years prior, Debbie Jerrell both accomplished and suffered.

Jerrell, who died at the age of 41, in Millville, had been studying to become a dental hygienist at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, when she sustained severe brain injury in a car accident involving a drunk driver. The next 20 years would be marked by efforts to "put her back together," according to her mother, Gertrude.

She suffered seizures from the near-constant pain, and spent years taking morphine and Valium, prescribed after hospital visits that would last for up to 30 days at a time in New York City and Philadelphia.

However, she was also a driving force in the community, founding the Cumberland and Salem Chapter of the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers in 1982. Jerrell later became the state chairwoman for MADD in 1994, opening the first state office for the organization in Vineland.

A recipient of the Cumberland County Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award for community service, Jerrell was offered personal congratulations from President Ronald Reagan, and was the only person Paul Hunsberger has ever interviewed more than once on his radio show "Off the Cuff."

Throughout all this, Jerrell kept a journal where she would pass the long hours spent inside various hospitals, chronicling her accident, recovery, and activities within the community.

Cop charged with felony DUI in crash that killed 2

Chicago, IL

Cop who killed 2 posts $7,500 for bail, enraging victim's brother

In the hours before a car accident that claimed two lives, the off-duty Chicago Police officer who allegedly caused the wreck drank four shots of liquor and three additional alcoholic beverages, prosecutors said Thursday.

Cook County prosecutors made the allegations as they charged cop John Ardelean with aggravated driving under the influence -- a felony -- in the wake of the fatal Nov. 22 car accident.

After the collision at Damen and Oakdale, "a police lieutenant detected a slight odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the defendant's breath," said Assistant State's Attorney Jason Poje. Further tests indicated he was drunk, authorities said.

Ardelean, 34, was originally charged with a misdemeanor. Nearly two months after the crash, prosecutors decided to bring felony charges that could land Ardelean in prison for up to 28 years. More >>

Driver, 83, who struck 4, faces trial in DUI case

Ocala, FL

If an 83 year-old man in a wheelchair is wearing it, the proper term is "red sweat suit," not "red jogging suit."

An 83-year-old man, who on Tuesday injured four people when he drove through a picnic area at a church, was in court Thursday in reference to a drunken-driving case.

Nicholas Riscili was arrested by a Belleview police officer in November for being more than twice the legal drinking limit. Following his Nov. 26 arrest on a charge of driving under the influence, he was issued a 30-day permit to drive for business purposes only.

According to Marion County Jail records, Riscili's November arrest was his third since August 2002, and includes a refusal to submit to a breath test.

Riscili's attorney, Mark D. Shelnutt, said Thursday that his client's permit expired Tuesday, the day of the crash.

With his daughter assisting him in his wheelchair, Riscili, dressed in a red jogging suit, was brought in front of County Judge John Futch, who set a trial date of Jan. 28. Shelnutt said Riscili has 10 days to file an administrative appeal.

In the meantime, Shelnutt said, Riscili's daughter is "down here to try and help us through this whole thing."

"For right now, he's not allowed to drive," Shelnutt said. More >>

New law would designate DUI, DWI convictions on drivers' licenses

Oklahoma City, OK

Is big brother becoming bigger and more brotherly?

A state lawmaker wants anyone with a drunk driving conviction to have it noted on their driver's license.

Democratic Rep. Scott Inman of Del City says the measure would reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths by putting bars and nightclubs on notice that the person has a history of drinking and driving while intoxicated.

Inman says the designation would remain on the license for up to four years. It would only be removed if the person received no additional drunk driving convictions during that time.

Inman says the problem of drinking and driving isn't getting any better in the state. In 2005, 283 out of 802 total traffic fatalities were alcohol related -- the highest number of alcohol-related traffic deaths since 1997. More >>

MADD leader speaks about cops' arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI)

Sacramento, CA

The MADD leader's first name is Matthias. Wouldn't that make him a FADD. Shouldn't they just change the name of the organization to MFADD (and I mean mothers and fathers against drunk driving? Is there a reason this guy wants to be head mother?

The leader of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in California said police need to set an example after two recent drunken driving arrests involving law enforcement officers. Daniel Rouse, an off-duty Sacramento County deputy, was arrested Saturday morning at Highway 50 near the Capital City Freeway.

The 22-year-old is expected to face a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. Rouse's arrest came two weeks after a California Highway Patrol lieutenant was arrested in northern Merced County on a drunken driving charge.

Lt. Deborah Pierce flipped her car onto an embankment along Highway 99, police said. She was arrested at the scene.
Pierce works for the Bakersfield-area CHP and is a 17-year veteran of the agency.

"Please remember that we look to them not only to save our lives but to show the community that they march to a higher tune," MADD's state executive director Matthias Mendezona said. "They have certain accountabilities there that go beyond the average citizen," he said. More >>

LA man arrested for 10th DWI after causing head-on crash

Shreveport, LA

Being a drunk is his own business. Being a drunk who refuses to quit driving drunk is the business of anyone with whom he may share the road.

A Shreveport man is behind bars on his 10th DWI charge.

The arrest stemmed from a wreck over the weekend that left four people injured. His blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit.

Police say John Taylor, 75, was traveling west on 70th Street early saturday morning when he crossed the double yellow line and slammed head-on into another vehicle, containing an adult and three children. A six and five year old are in serious condition. More >>

Man charged with driving under the influence after hitting freight train

Who rammed whom?


Bloomington, IN

A man was charged with driving under the influence after his pickup truck rammed a freight train Saturday afternoon on Bloomington’s west side, police said.

Joel Beland, 30, of Heyworth was arrested after allegedly hitting the eastbound train at a crossing near Lee and Water streets, said Bloomington Police Lt. Pete Avery. Norfolk Southern Railroad officials called police at 1:55 p.m.

Beland was apparently trying to go over the crossing in his Chevrolet pickup when he made contact with the train, police said. Beland continued to drive east on an adjacent track, glancing off two stationery boxcars. He then attempted to leave the tracks but was unable to drive over a rail, Avery said, and he arrested a short time later. More >>

Dog poop footprints lead to Durham, NC an's DWI arrest

Durham, NC

Shit happens.

A Durham man accused of drunkenly driving into a yard was found after police followed a smelly trail of dog feces footprints.

Police said 18-year-old Josue Herrios-Coronilla drove his black Camaro on the wrong side of the road Wednesday and crashed into the yard of Bill McDonald, the owner of four dogs, according to a report published in The News and Observer.

When police arrived, they found crushed bushes, a damaged fence, an inoperable car - and a fresh shoe print in a pile of dog feces.

Following an odoriferous trail down the street, Durham police Sergeant Dale Gunter noticed a white van driving toward him. When he asked the passenger to step out, he noticed alcohol on the man's breath and evidence all over his shoes.

Herrios-Coronilla was charged with driving while impaired and drinking underage.

9th DUI for Nebraska man

Bellevue, NE

The Bellevue Chief of Police demonstrates both his stranglehold on the obvious and his need for a press agent to keep a stranglehold on his idiotic yammering: "We do have some concerns that he could possibly do this again."

Booked and charged. A Bellevue man is locked up for his ninth DUI.

"We do have some concerns that he could possibly do this again. If history is any indication, he probably will," says Chief John Stacey of the Bellevue Police Department.

History shows it's William Conners' ninth time in jail for drunk driving. His first arrest occurring 1982. The latest, early Wednesday morning.

"It seems like the pretence is that he was crazy over the limit on a lot of these things."

Conner's most recent inebriated escapade police say took him to Bellevue's Chandler Acres neighborhood. Officers tell Action 3 News they found Conner's passed out slumped over the wheel of his F-150, stuck on a snow bank, with the gears still in drive. Further investigating revealed the truck's license plates didn't match the vehicle and Conner didn't have a license.

"That obviously indicates that there is a serious problem. For some reason the system may have missed him or has ignored the system all this time."

After nine DUIs it might mean prison time for Conner. A man who police say doesn't appear to like Nebraska's driving laws. More>>

Pope waives hearing on DUI charge

I know nothing of the New Mexico State basketball roster, but this headline sure caught my attention...

New Mexico State University freshman forward Herb Pope waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Allegheny County District Court on Tuesday.

Pope initially faced misdemeanor charges of underage drinking, drunken driving and other charges, including recklessly endangering another person, stemming from a Dec. 28 arrest by police in Moon, Pa. Pope was found unresponsive in the driver's seat of a vehicle. Pope's attorney, Pittsburgh area lawyer Arnold Klein, said the underage drinking charge was dropped.

Holiday DWI / DUI arrest totals...

Here are the claimed totals for a few states.

Arizona: 2,800+ Holiday DUI arrests statewide

Minnesota: 3,350 motorists tagged for DWI

North Carolina: 4,367 Holiday DWI arrests

Nicotine fit leads to 2 DUIs in 2 hours (and a driving while suspended)

Columbus, OH

Finally, definitive scientific proof that cigarettes are addictive and alcohol intoxication causes impaired judgment.

A Pataskala man's nicotine fit left him with back-to-back busts on drunken-driving charges.

Kenneth L. Stamper was cited for operating a vehicle under the influence after a Pataskala officer saw his car weaving on Broad Street about 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

Stamper's blood-alcohol level tested at 0.16 percent — twice the 0.08 percent level at which a motorist is presumed intoxicated in Ohio. His car was impounded and his driver's license immediately suspended. Stamper, 49, was freed on his own recognizance, and an officer gave him a ride home.

Then, clerks at a United Dairy Farmers called police about 12:30 a.m.. A man was creating a ruckus after learning the store did not have his brand of smokes. It was Mr. Stamper — again. He had driven a second car to the convenience store. Police again charged Stamper with DUI. This time, he tested at 0.13 percent. Cops tacked on a charge of driving under an administrative license suspension. More >>

Drunk driver crashes into home

Sioux Falls, SD

Surprisingly, no reference in this article is made to the driver being "housed" or the homeowner being "crashed."

Chester Morben says he was home watching TV just before nine last night. Morben says, "We heard this loud crash and the breaking of glass and we rushed out to see what it was."
A car crashed into the side of his home. "I said, 'Darn, you know, they've finally hit the house," said Mobren.
Police say 51-year-old Tom McFarlane had been driving drunk. Officer Hector Soto said, "He did tell me that he may have dosed off and just couldn't make the turn and ended up hitting the house. More >>

No New Years DWI arrests in Vineland, New Jersey

Vineland, NJ

There also were no arrests in Vineland, NJ on New Year's for impersonating an officer sleeping in the trunk of his patrol car.

There were no drunken driving arrests in the city during the New Years holiday.

"I like to think that we got the message out," said Sgt. William Dare, supervisor of the Traffic Safety Unit. "There were several stops made by special DWI patrols and summonses were issued for other offenses but not drunken driving. I think the combination of increased patrols and the warnings we issued that drunken driving would not be tolerated kept our streets safe during the holiday."


In Millville, two drunken driving arrests were made during the New Year holiday. No other information about the arrests was available Wednesday from Millville police.

Car impounded after DWI crash, drunk driver arrested again trying to steal it back

Queens, NYC

A five-step program to demonstrate your need for a 12-step program:

1. Drive drunk, without a license, into a parked BMW and knock off a door;

2. Leave the scene of the crash;

3. Resist arrest kicking and screaming (literally);

3. Threaten to kill an arresting officer; and

4. Attempt to steal back your car from the police impound lot upn being released form jail.

Police arrested a 27-year-old Bronx man twice in December for drunk driving and for attempting to steal his impounded car from a NYPD lot.

Police said Byron Salazar-Rivera was arrested at about 5:30 p.m. on December 9 after he drove his 1996 Honda into (and knocked off the driver side door of) a parked 2000 BMW.

Salazar-Rivera refused to take a Breathalyzer test, resisted arrest by kicking and swinging his arms and legs as police tried to place him in handcuffs, authorities said. He then threatened to kill one of the officers who participated in his arrest, saying he would kill the cop as soon as he got out of jail.

Salazar-Rivera was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, unlicensed driving, leaving the scene of an accident and resisting arrest. Following his arraignment at Queens Criminal Court, Salazar-River and a friend went to the impound lot at the 115th Precinct at 92nd Street and Northern Boulevard, where they tried to steal Salazar-Rivera's car, police said. More >>

New Mexico deploys 500 sexy-talking urinal cakes to combat drunk driving

Rio Rancho, NM

Caption #1: That's not the only thing I have in my hand, sweetheart.

Caption #2: Is this intended to combat drunk driving or to let men in New Mexico know they can't even go to the men's room without a woman telling them what to do?

New Mexico is taking its fight against drunken driving to men's restrooms around the state.

The state has ordered 500 talking urinal cakes that will deliver a recorded anti-DWI message to bar and restaurant patrons who make one last pit stop before getting behind the wheel.

When a man steps up, the motion-sensitive plastic device says, in a woman's voice that is flirty, then stern:

"Hey, big guy. Having a few drinks?

Think you had one too many?

Then it's time to call a cab or call a sober friend for a ride home.

Remember, your future is in your hand."

Transportation Department spokesman S.U. Mahesh said the urinal cakes are a way to reach one group that's a target of state safety campaigns. Men commit about three times as many drunken-driving infractions as women. More >>

More State DWI / DUI awareness and prevention slogans

South Carolina

"Sober or Slammer"

Minnesota

"One DWI Can Cost You Over $15,000"
"Talk About Your Un-Happy Hour"
"DWI. It's How Your Lawyer Affords Those Nice Suits"
"When The Bartender Says, "Last Call" Make It A Taxi"
"Can You Really Fit That Funeral Into Your Busy Schedule?"
"Don't Rely on Luck or Fate, Now that the Limit is .08"

New Mexico

“You Drink, You Drive, You Lose”

Driver arrested for DWI after sideswiping police car parked behind car on fire

Vineland, N.J.

Exactly how much attention must a driver pay to the road on New Year's Eve not to crash into a marked police car with its row of roof lights flashing, stopped behind a car in flames?

A state trooper investigating a car fire on Route 55 Monday night became a victim himself when his parked troop car was sideswiped by a driver who was allegedly intoxicated.

The accident happened at 10:37 p.m. Trooper Jeffrey Mazzoni had parked his 2006 Crown Victoria troop car behind the car which was on fire.

Harry M. Bauer, 27, driving a 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass, sideswiped the troop car.

The accident was investigated by Sgt. Edward Murphy, who charged Bauer with driving while intoxicated.

Arizona's statewide Holiday DUI crackdown posts 2,522 DUI arrests

Phoenix, AZ

Such impressive arrest totals do beg the question, "Are any members of law enforcement in Arizona patrolling the Mexican border?"

With time winding down on the Holiday DUI Task Force’s operations, the statewide crackdown on drunken driving continued with another 182 arrests on Saturday.

Since the Thanksgiving weekend, the task force has posted more than 2,500 arrests. Tonight is the last night.

On Saturday, officers made 14 arrests for aggravated DUI, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety said.

A drunken-driving offense is considered aggravated when the motorist has two previous DUI offenses in the last seven years, if the motorist has a suspended, canceled or revoked license or when there is a passenger younger than 15 in the vehicle.

More than one-quarter of Saturday’s arrests were classified extreme, with blood-alcohol content levels exceeding 0.15. Of all those arrested, the average BAC was 0.142.

Of the task force’s 2,522 total DUI arrests, 780 have been for extreme DUI.

Missouri tops the national average in DWI Deaths

Springfield, MO

Not every State can say they lead the entire nation in something...

Missourians top the national average in killing themselves driving drunk. Missourians also marry twice as often as they divorce, earn less money than the national average.

These tidbits and others come from the federal government's 127th annual Statistical Abstract of the United States, which provides a statistical snapshot of the nation. Missouri ranks in the middle of many statistical comparisons, though in some cases the numbers show a less favorable standing. More >>

Missouri DWI Lawyers

Lynnwood, WA man who was arrested after crash has 15 DUIs

Seattle, WA

Not to be outdone by Ohioan Wayne Wykof, allegedlyRobert Castle of Lynnwood, WA was arrested for drunken driving after being involved in a 3-car crash, resisting arrest, and being Tasered. It was his 15th arrest for DUI.

The State Patrol says a 51-year-old Lynnwood man who was arrested during the weekend has been arrested a total of 15 times for drunk driving and has five driving under the influence convictions.

His driver's license is already revoked.

His arrest on Saturday afternoon qualifies as a felony DUI, meaning he could face a stiffer sentence if he is convicted.

After a three-car accident, he was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of driving under the influence, resisting arrest, hit and run and eluding.

Follow up: Eastlake, OH driver accused of 13th DUI back in court

Eastlake, Ohio

They say the 13th time's a charm...or is it the 4th time in prison?

In Lake County, Wayne Wykof went ballistic inside the police station after he was arrested for drunk driving last week. It was his 13th arrest for operating a vehicle while visibly impaired.

The booking video shows that Eastlake police had to taser Wykof several times when he tried to rip his own arm open and spit blood on the police.

Today in Municipal Court in Willoughby, he walked quietly into the courtroom of Judge Harry Field.

Wayne Wykof has already been sent to prison three times for drunk driving. After his last arrest in 2004, he was given a sentence of three years beind bars.

If convicted for his 13th drunk driving offense, Wykof will be going back to a prison cell. More >>

North Carolina DWI laws changed from last year

Raleigh, NC

Before drinking, revelers may want to know about some DWI law changes that most people -- even a local daily newspaper or its legal reporters -- still don't know about.

A local daily newspaper erroneously reported on several driving while impaired (DWI) legal issues and costs in a story about drinking and driving on New Year's Eve, but actually some of the items they mentioned are no longer valid state law. More >>

Arizona cops arrest 2,300 drivers for DUI in Holiday crackdown

Phoenix, AZ

In a statewide effort, Arizona cops have stopped 32,000 drivers, arrested 2,300 for DUI, and issued 9,500 non-DUI citations.

Authorities participating in a statewide holiday drunken driving task force say they've now made more than 2,300 DUI arrests since the effort began last month.

On Friday alone, 182 drivers were booked on drunken driving charges.

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety coordinates the effort, which involves saturation patrols, DUI checkpoints and youth alcohol enforcement using officers from dozens of law enforcement agencies.

Authorities have stopped more than 32,000 drivers and issued more than 9,500 citations for driving offenses besides DUI.

Under a new state law, DUI offenders face a minimum 10 day jail term, fines and license suspensions and must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.

The task force continues through New Year's Day.

DWI/DUI cops say, "Don't make us your designated driver."

Anne Arundel, MD

The Anne Arundel, MD Police come up with a great slogan for DWI/DUI prevention and favor saturation patrols over sobriety checkpoints.

No sobriety checkpoints are planned, but police still intend to arrest plenty of drunk drivers in Anne Arundel this New Year's Eve.

"We will have extra officers on duty, both uniformed and plain clothes," said Officer Hal Dalton, a city police spokesman. County officers said they will also beef up patrols throughout the extended holiday weekend.

Cpl. Mark Shawkey, a county police spokesman, said saturation patrols are just as effective, if not more so than checkpoints. They utilize several officers in patrol vehicles to spread out through a larger geographical area.

"Whereas, checkpoints focus on one main thoroughfare and are more limited in their scope," he said. More >>

Hangover DWI / DUI, AAA warns of driving on the ‘morning after’ drinking binge

Kingsport, TN

Don't get a Hangover DWI/DUI. Plan ahead. Wait to drive until afternoon.

Alcohol stays in the system longer than most people think and can affect judgment, reaction time and coordination well into the next day.

The danger of driving drunk this New Year’s holiday (and getting a DWI/DUI) doesn’t end Monday night, according to the American Automobile Association.

Alcohol stays in the system long after even moderate drinking ends, according to AAA East Tennessee, setting the stage for New Year’s Day alcohol-related DWI/DUI crashes and tragedies.

“Planning ahead to avoid driving after drinking New Year’s Eve helps all of us enjoy the celebration,” said Don Lindsey, director of public affairs at AAA East Tennessee. “But even with that good decision, those who drink a lot that night should avoid driving until at least the next afternoon.” More >>

SCRAM ankle monitors detect DWI offenders' alcohol use

St. Louis, MO

Special ankle bracelets monitor alcohol levels in sweat of DWI offenders.

People involved in alcohol-related criminal cases may be sweating over the newest monitoring device that judges are strapping to their ankles.

But that's what officials want, since the machine constantly tests its wearer's perspiration for trace levels of alcohol.

Court and probation officials across the St. Louis area are embracing the monitor, known as a SCRAM device, as a way to keep better tabs on people on bond or probation. More >>

MADD pushes for tough new DUI law, ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI convicts

Sacramento, CA

MADD mothers urge California lawmakers to make first-time DUI offenders to "Blow Me" each time they get behind the wheel.

MADD is urging California lawmakers to implement a law that would require an ignition-locking device be placed in the vehicles of first-time DUI offenders.

Interlock devices prevent a vehicle's ignition from working if alcohol is detected. A person breathes into a handheld device. That breath is passed over an electrical chip and when there is alcohol in the breath, the ignition system won't work.

MADD Chief Executive Officer Charles Hurley said first time offenders should be treated harshly. "First offenders aren't really first offenders," said Hurley. "It's first time caught. The science indicates that people that have been arrested on a first offense have driven drunk 87 times before."

New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois, and Louisiana all have ignition interlock laws on the books for first time DUI offenders.

Sticky Note Campaign to Prevent Drunk Driving

Yankton, SD

Local bars stick it to their customers in an effort to reduce DWI/DUI.

More than 25 bars and restaurants in South Dakota are giving their patrons a message they hope will stick. The bars and restaurants distributed "Don't Drink and Drive" sticky notes to customers when they delivered the bills Saturday.

The sticky notes were given out last summer and were so popular the program was brought back for the holidays. Some servers noticed the positive effect the notes have had. Becky Cass the supervisor of Yesterday's Cafe in Yankton, SD said, "A lot of people have taken 'em with 'em so maybe they're gonna stick 'em to their mirror and remind themselves."

The notes are part of the "Drunk Driving. Over the limit. Under arrest." campaign that runs through the end of this year.

Man Exposes Self, Shouts Vulgarities After 13th DUI Arrest

East Lake, OH

Somewhere, this man has a mother who loves him very much...

An Eastlake man is in jail following his 13th drunken driving arrest.

Wayne Wykof, 46, has had 12 DUI convictions since 1981 and has lost his license for life.

In his most recent arrest, an Eastlake police sergeant used a Taser gun on Wykof after the man started biting himself, police said.

A booking video showed Wykof continuing his belligerent behavior a few minutes later, ripping up police paperwork and then exposing himself and screaming vulgarities. More >>

Fort Worth, TX will take blood from DWI suspects

December 28, 2007 (Fort Worth, TX)

Fort Worth motorists who get pulled over on New Year's Eve and think they can beat a drunken driving conviction by refusing a breath test had better think again.

Fort Worth police are going to get a search warrant and take your blood.

For the first time, Fort Worth police are launching a "No Refusal DWI" campaign in an effort to combat drunken driving on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

And they certainly aren't being secret about their intentions. More >>

Santa in G-string arrested for DUI

Hollywood, CA

Drunken G-string Santa arrested for DUI (not possession of crack with intent to distribute).

A man in a Santa hat was arrested Sunday night for investigation of drunken driving after he was spotted outside Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood wearing a wig, a red lace camisole and a purple G-string, police said.
"We are pretty sure this is not the Santa Claus," Deputy Chief Ken Garner said.
The suspect was booked into jail after his blood-alcohol level measured just above the state's legal limit of .08, police said. He was later released on $5,000 bail.
The man, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 280 pounds, also wore black leg warmers and black shoes. His car was towed to an impound yard, police said.

DWI suspect rams police cruiser

December 22, 2007 (Schenectady, NY)

A 27 year-old Albany man was arrested after crashing into the rear of a stopped police car. The officer driving the car is a 16-year police force veteran who often works as a DWI enforcement officer and suspected that the driver who hit him may have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The vehicle was searched and marijuana was found.

The driver was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, a felony, and aggravated DWI, DWI, driving while ability impaired by drugs, reckless driving and unlawful possession of marijuana. More >>

Woman, driving drunk, hits cop car making a DWI stop

December 20, 2007 (St. Cloud, MN)

A driver in St. Cloud, MN was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after her vehicle crashed into a police squad car that already was making a DWI stop on a different driver. The (second) driver ignored officers' orders to stop and fled the scene. The police chase that followed ended abruptly when the woman's vehicle got stuck in a snowbank. More >>

Chicago police officer gets DUI charge after Christmas Eve Car Crash

December 27, 2007 (Chicago, IL)

A Chicago police officer has been charged with DUI in a Christmas Eve car crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway, authorities said.

Jon Cacciatore, 43, was charged with driving under the influence, Illinois State Trooper Juan Valenzuela said.

About 11:30 p.m. Monday, Cacciatore, who was off-duty at the time, was driving south in the express lane near 43rd Street on the South Side when he hit a tow truck, state police Sgt. Gregory Coate said. More >>