29 Arrested in Highway Patrol Operation

Captain Ronald S. Johnson, commanding officer Troop C, Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Weldon Spring, has announced the results of a recent enforcement detail, “Operation A.R.R.E.S.T.” (Alcohol Related Response Enforcement Strike Team).

He said the purpose of Operation A.R.R.E.S.T. was to increase the motoring public’s awareness of the hazards of operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition.

Operation A.R.R.E.S.T. was conducted from 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, to 3 a.m. on Sunday, June 24, in Jefferson County. The eight-hour project was conducted by six officers, who focused their enforcement efforts on identifying hazardous motor vehicle operations. There was no specific checkpoint used. Instead, troopers were spread out throughout Jefferson County, paying close attention to drivers who may have been alcohol-impaired, said Trooper Juston Wheetley.

Wheetley said a total of 29 arrests were made and 48 warnings issued. Six people were arrested for driving while intoxicated, seven for following too close, one for no seat belt, two for speeding and one for careless and imprudent driving. Seven non-moving summonses were issued, two people were arrested for other criminal offenses, and three were arrested on drug possession charges.

“Driving while intoxicated continues to be responsible for more than 25 percent of all fatal crashes on Missouri highways," according to Capt. Johnson. "Operation A.R.R.E.S.T. will assist in reducing the number of intoxicated drivers, traffic crashes, and fatalities that occur on our roadways.”