Police department reports Labor Day DWI arrests

In an effort to discourage Austinites from driving while intoxicated and to raise public awareness of the hazards of drunk driving, the Austin Police Department, with assistance from Austin Transportation, conducted its Labor Day No Refusal initiative over Labor Day weekend, Thursday to Monday, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. During this time period, officers made 57 DWI-related arrests. Of that number, 18 provided a breath sample, 12 provided a blood sample, and on-the-spot blood search warrants were obtained for 27 suspects who refused to provide a breath or blood specimen. Eight of the 57 individuals were charged with a class A misdemeanor DWI for having a prior conviction; two individuals were charged with a felony DWI for having children in the vehicle; one person was charged with boating while intoxicated; one was charged with felony DWI for having two or more prior convictions; and one person was charged with intoxicated assault.