LORAIN COUNTY 5th IN OVI ARRESTS

Columbus – Franklin and Butler counties had the most Patrol OVI arrests last year according to new statistics released by the Patrol today – Lorain County came in fifth. Troopers made 25,512 OVI arrests statewide last year, an increase of 782 arrests over 2007.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol OVI-Related Crashes and Arrests statistical recap from the Patrol’s Statistical Analysis Unit, during 2008 troopers made 1,441 OVI arrests in Franklin County and 1,132 in Butler County. Rounding out the top five were Lucas County with 985 arrests, Montgomery County with 876, and Lorain County with 835. Of the statewide OVI arrests, 67 percent occurred between Midnight and 4:00 a.m.

In 2008, there were 15,318 OVI-related crashes on Ohio roadways, killing 466 and injuring 9,315.

“The Patrol takes the crime of impaired driving seriously. And that is what impaired driving is – a crime,” Colonel Richard H. Collins, Patrol superintendent said. “Impaired driving is a crime that puts innocent people in danger, and all too frequently results in tragic consequences.”

So far this year through April 26, troopers have made 8,018 OVI arrests.