Minnesota DWI sweep nets 1,500 arrests at summer's end

Minnesota cops arrested 1,513 people for drunk driving during an end-of-summer sweep that also saw five people die in alcohol-related traffic accidents.

The arrests included a mother driving drunk with her child, a driver nearly five times above the legal limit and a minor driving three times above the limit, the state Department of Public Safety said in a statement Tuesday.

Total arrests in the Aug. 21-Sept. 7 sweep were higher than the 1,340 during the same period last year, preliminary data show.

"The stories you hear from officers, troopers and deputies about drunk drivers are certainly scary for anyone who shares the road with those who make poor decisions," Minnesota Traffic Safety Director Donna Berger said. "We know the efforts by law enforcement during our campaigns certainly make a difference in saving lives."

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