State troopers arrest 16 in St. Patrick’s Day DWI crackdown

More than 200 Law Enforcement Agencies across Missouri participated in a Saint Patrick’s Day DWI enforcement crackdown.

According to a MSHP release, 16 people were arrested for DWI during a checkpoint at Mick Deaver and Providence from 11:00 p.m. Thursday until 3:00 a.m. Friday. 737 vehicles were checked during the operation.

At the same checkpoint, 3 MIP (minor in possession) tickets were issued; 19 misdemeanor drug arrests were made; and 1 felony drug arrest.

The Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, MU Police, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol all made DWI arrests.

In a similar crackdown last March, there were 197 DWI arrests across Missouri according to the MSHP.

According to MSHP, at least 122 alcohol related traffic crashes happened in Boone County in 2015, resulting in four deaths and 56 injuries.

The MSHP website also shows 200 people who were killed car accidents that involved either alcohol or drugs across Missouri in 2015.

An MU Football analyst was one of the 15 arrested for DWI. Reports show Austin Alewel was arrested by the MSHP and was booked before 4 a.m. Friday.

The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement will continue through Sunday.