No refusal efforts focus on west Montgomery County starting Saturday

Area law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to find intoxicated drivers this weekend in cooperation with the Renaissance Festival and other activities happening in the western part of the county.

According to Tyler Dunman, chief of the Vehicular Crimes Division with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, beginning Saturday night, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Breath Alcohol Testing Van along with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office DART Van will be stationed at locations in and around the Magnolia area to assist law enforcement with arresting intoxicated drivers and securing blood samples as evidence in these cases.

Participating in the operation are The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Public Safety in Montgomery County and surrounding counties, the Magnolia Police Department and the Tomball Police Department.

“The ultimate goal here is public safety,” Dunman said. “We want people to enjoy the activities that the Renaissance Festival has to offer, but we want them to do it responsibly. Designate a sober driver and plan ahead when you go out so you are not left with the option to drive after you have had too much to drink.

“If everyone gets home safely, this No Refusal operation will be a success.”

Every year, Dunman said, there is a drastic increase in roadway traffic during the Renaissance Festival and the no refusal operations are meant to ensure the safety of the public on our roadways during this time and to minimize driving while intoxicated incidents which can lead to crashes and fatalities.

The operation will use the mobile BAT units, nurses, prosecutors, and investigators from the DA’s Office, and police officers from the county’s various law enforcement agencies.

Dunman said this is in combination with what the Texas Renaissance Festival already does to help combat DWI and related traffic issues including purchasing a thermal camera for use by law enforcement to help monitor traffic flow; hiring off-duty law enforcement officers to direct traffic at specific point-control areas, expanding camping facilities, partnering with a taxi service, and providing shuttles to local hotels and signage to offer alternatives to driving while intoxicated.

During this time, Dunman said, judges will be available to review search warrants for the existence of probable cause for the search of a person blood. “Any person suspected of DWI who refuses to provide a breath sample will be subject to their blood being taken by trained nurses if a judge agrees that the arrest was proper and lawful,” he said. “Drivers who are suspected of being impaired will be the targets of this initiative. This program ensures that scientific evidence will be available for all cases.

“The prosecution will receive strong evidence of guilt or innocence as a result of this program.”