WACO, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released the results of its No Refusal Weekend initiative from Oct. 11 to Oct. 12.
The initiative was an effort to target intoxicated drivers and promote safe driving, said DPS, with law enforcement officers from multiple departments out in "full force" to identify and apprehend drivers under the influence. Any driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs was subject to "immediate chemical testing", like blood or breath tests.
Drivers who refused testing were issued warrants for blood testing. DPS describes intoxication as "not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances or any other substance into the body or having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more."
The results of the initiative, according to DPS, are as follows:
- Vehicles stopped: 237
- Arrests: 21
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI): 20 drivers
- Driving under the influence (DUI) minor: 1 driver
- Breath test refusals: 1 person
- Tests conducted:
- Blood tests: 14
- Breath tests: 7
- Breath test ranges: 0.109 to 0.152
- Age range of those arrested: 16 to 68 years old
The Lorena Police Department, West Police Department, Waco ISD Police Department, Hewitt Police Department, Robinson Police Department, Waco Police Department, McLennan County Precinct 1 Constable, McLennan County Sheriff’s Office and McLennan County District Attorney’s Office reportedly collaborated with DPS for the initiative.
“There is no excuse for driving while intoxicated. It is a reckless and selfish act that puts countless lives at risk. The consequences of driving impaired can be devastating and should be avoided at all costs,” said Captain Richard Hoover, Texas DPS Waco District Commander.
More from 6 News: