Police to be on lookout for DWI revelers

Updated: October 29, 2009 - 11:38 PM

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Halloween revelers in northern Hennepin County suburbs may run into some uniformed characters who aren't looking for treats or party fun Saturday night.

Increased patrols against drunken driving will be conducted by police in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Champlin and Dayton with assistance from Hennepin County sheriff's deputies. Police expect more drinking and revelry because Halloween falls on a Saturday.

"People should know they will be out there on DWI patrol," said Lisa Kiava, spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office. She said saturation patrols will focus on the four cities Saturday night. She said the patrols are announced ahead of time to get people talking about it and, it's hoped, planning to avoid drinking and driving.

State troopers also will be conducting enhanced DWI patrols this weekend in Anoka and Ramsey counties, where they will work with local and county officers, said patrol spokesman Nathan Bowie.

Halloween has become one of the biggest party nights of the year, authorities say. During the Halloween party weekends from 2006 through 2008, seven of the 15 traffic deaths in Minnesota were alcohol-related. Another 40 people were seriously injured in crashes, 15 of which were alcohol-related.

During those same weekends, 1,487 motorists were arrested for drunken driving, state figures show.

JIM ADAMS