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San Antonio police patrolling Fiesta in full force to stop drunk drivers

Police urge party-goers to plan for a ride before heading out to an event

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police are out in full force during Fiesta, looking for intoxicated drivers and stopping those stumbling to their vehicles before they start driving.

ā€œWe have all the officers out in full force. As you know, we’ve been to some of these events, and you see officers at every corner,ā€ said Lt. Michelle Ramos with the San Antonio Police Department.

From March 31 to April 6, SAPD arrested 77 people for DWI-related offenses.

In 2021, that number was 169 for the duration of Fiesta. In 2019, there were 204 arrests, and in 2018 there were 227.

ā€œYou need to think about your safety and the safety of the public. It doesn’t just affect you,ā€ Ramos said.

But it will cost those arrested upwards of $17,000, according to a breakdown in costs by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. That figure includes court fees, attorney fees, and insurance costs going up.

What a DWI can cost you. Figures provide by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

The cost of rideshare is under $100, depending on where you’re going. Police say think of a plan before you party.

These downtown San Antonio streets will be closed for the Fiesta Flambeau parade