Minnesota: law officers cleaned the highways of 2,537 DWI drivers during Christmas drinking, driving and dying season

Holiday lights, parties, and festive celebrations are underway in Fairfax County and across the region. The Police Department reminds residents and motorists to enjoy celebrations safely this December.

Police have stepped up alcohol enforcement and education efforts with extra DWI patrols, sobriety checkpoints and social media messaging to help ensure safe roadways.

Police have made almost 5,000 impaired driving arrests over the past two years. (2,582 in 2013 and 2,262 YTD 2014) Additionally, officers have investigated 1,078 alcohol related crashes in the past two years

An officer on patrol observed a vehicle stopped in a lane of traffic. Upon making contact with the intoxicated driver, the vehicle drove off. Officers pursued the vehicle and the driver lost control bringing the vehicle to a stop.

While taking custody of the driver, an officer was assaulted. Katie R. Reber, 34, of Alexandria, was charged with DWI, disregarding police signal, reckless driving, and assault on law enforcement.