Video shows DWI arrests of Halloween-costumed offenders, Minn. DPS urges safe, sober holiday

ST. PAUL -- A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, a French maid and Jeanie from "I Dream of Jeanie" were arrested for driving while impaired during Halloween last year, and the State Department of Public Safety is using the video of their arrests is a reminder to plan for a safe and sober ride.

Officers will be conducting heightened patrols for drunken drivers during the Halloween weekend. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for seven of the 17 traffic deaths and 10 serious injuries in Minnesota during the Halloween period, 2008-2010. During this same timeframe, 1,663 motorists were arrested for driving while impaired.

"Nothing is scarier on Halloween than drunk or impaired drivers," says Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol. "Twin Cities law enforcement will be out this weekend, so make sure someone in your group goes as a designated driver to keep roads safe and people out of jail."

Roeske also stresses that families should let loved ones know that they will be available to offer a sober ride home -- at any time, any place.