EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSCO) conducted a County-wide crackdown on drunk driving Friday night during 4th of July celebrations.
The “Safe Streets Operation” entailed the deployment of over 150 deputies across the County as part of their DWI task force.
“A lot of people go out and celebrate the 4th of July. They have some drinks, some people a little bit too much, and we’re pretty much trying to bring down the number of intoxicated drivers on the road. We want to make sure everyone’s celebrating, having fun, but in a safe manner,” Deputy Christopher Medina said during a ride-along with KTSM crews.
Just over 100 of the deployed deputies were assigned to patrol in Far East El Paso, along Montana Avenue and into Red Sands, where Friday night’s enforcement efforts were focused. Medina said that area has become a hotspot for drunk driving and violence on 4th of July.
“Pretty much our main goal out here is to make sure everybody knows we’re out here, making sure everybody’s acting accordingly, nobody’s intoxicated from what we can observe, that they’re not endangering themselves,” Medina said.
The Sheriff’s Office had a command post stationed inside Red Sands and deployed multiple deputies to patrol in the dunes, using ATV units. El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said that was the first time multiple deputies were deployed into the Red Sands’ dunes during 4th of July celebrations.
EPCSO were assisted by multiple other law-enforcement agencies and fire departments. EPCSO officials reported that there were no shootings, no fatalities, and over 15 DWI arrests Friday night.
The EPCSO’s DWI operations will continue throughout the weekend.
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