Deputies arrest trio for DWI in Rolla

Rolla, MO

Deputies from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, participating in a statewide effort to crack down on drunken driving, made three arrests for DWI during a three-day period.


Working with other law-enforcement agencies, Sheriff’s Department officials stopped 84 vehicles, which resulted in 61 warnings, 13 citations for various moving violations, two arrests for driving on a suspended license and three arrests for driving while intoxicated.


The officers also arrested one for person for failing to maintain financial responsibility.
The crackdown was between May 2 and 5, and it included extra sheriff’s deputies and a coordinated effort from several statewide policing agencies.


“Hopefully, these efforts, combined with those from other agencies, will make the streets of Phelps County and Missouri a little safer,” said Sheriff Don Blankenship.
“This is the second such program we have participated in this year and if it saves just one life, it will be time well spent,” he said.


Non-traffic arrests included one for possession of methamphetamine, two for possession of marijuana and four warrant arrests.


In 2007, the Sheriff’s Department made 25 arrests for driving while intoxicated. To date this year, that number has increased to 48, as a result of these programs.


Meanwhile, the Missouri State Highway Patrol at Troop I in Rolla, will be conducting sobriety checkpoint in Phelps Count.


The checkpoint will be staged in an area and on a highway where numerous alcohol-related traffic crashes have occurred.


The Patrol urges all motorist passing through the checkpoint to use extra caution by slowing down, keeping eyes on the road and vehicles ahead for any sudden stopping, and to follow the directions of the officers.


Motorists passing through a checkpoint should have their driver’s license and insurance papers ready for inspection by one of the troopers.


“We can all help make our roads safer by simply making the wise decision to not drink and drive,” Capt. Randy Becker said.

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