DUI arrests down slightly over New Year’s Eve holiday
Published 9:19 am Friday, January 3, 2020
New Year’s Eve kept the Oxford Police Department busy, but DUI arrests were down by two from last year.
Over the two-day period, there were six DUI arrests made with three of them having other violations attached, according to OPD media releases. Two included possession of drug paraphernalia charges, with one including a seat belt violation and the other being charged with speeding and requiring a K-9 search. The third had a speeding violation. All arrests were misdemeanor DUI 1st violations.
In total, 78 tickets were issued over the New Year holiday, and OPD responded to seven accidents between Tuesday and Wednesday.
During the 2019 New Year’s Eve holiday period, OPD made eight DUI arrests, with five of them having separate violations attached.
The Oxford Police also responded to four reports of fireworks being discharged inside city limits, but did not issue any citations. The department shared a warning on social media early New Year’s Eve, reminding residents that fireworks are illegal inside city limits.
Statewide, the Mississippi Highway Patrol reported three deaths during its two-day holiday enforcement period. The period began on Tuesday morning and ended Wednesday night.
During that time, MHP troopers issued 3,526 citations and made 79 DUI arrests. In Troop E, which includes Lafayette and Panola counties, troopers issued 348 citations, and they worked six accidents. Troop E also made five arrests for four DUIs and one drug arrest. The three deaths occurred in Lamar, Marshall and Jasper counties.