Northeast Tarrant

Police, sheriff’s department ramping up DWI enforcement efforts during the holidays

Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn and other law enforcement officials say they are committed to reducing the number of drunk drivers this holiday season.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn and other law enforcement officials say they are committed to reducing the number of drunk drivers this holiday season. Tarrant County Sheriff's Office

Tarrant County law enforcement officials are going after people who drink and drive this holiday season.

During a press conference Monday afternoon, District Attorney Phil Sorrells pointed out that there have been approximately 5,000 DWI arrests in Tarrant County this year.

“We are committed to keeping our community safe. There is no excuse for drinking and driving,” Sorrells said.

Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said 127 people have died in fatal crashes this year, and many of those involved intoxicated drivers.

“I want them to understand that we will be out there, and they will face penalties,” he said.

Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn commended the law enforcement agencies for working together to reduce the number of intoxicated drivers.

“These agencies are going to be paying overtime. They’re [officers] not going to be home with their families so everybody else can be,” Waybourn said.

This story was originally published December 18, 2023 at 9:47 PM.

Elizabeth Campbell
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
With my guide dog Freddie, I keep tabs on growth, economic development and other issues in Northeast Tarrant cities and other communities near Fort Worth. I’ve been a reporter at the Star-Telegram for 34 years.
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