Latest news with #OscarUgarte
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
'We're just getting started.' El Paso County sheriff rolls out new DWI Task Force
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office's new DWI Task Force will continue operations at various times of the year after rolling out and netting 36 arrests on Easter weekend, Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. While campaigning for sheriff last year, drunken driving was one of the most common concerns mentioned by voters, said Ugarte, who took office on Jan. 1. The sheriff's new task force leverages the assistance of other law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem of driving while intoxicated. Crime: El Paso police arrest 2 drivers suspected in wheelchair, scooter hit-and-run collisions "This task force reflects what we can achieve when local law enforcement agencies unite behind a common goal —keeping our residents safe," Ugarte said in a statement. "The community asked us to act on DWIs, and we listened," Ugarte said. "These arrests send a clear message: if you drive impaired in El Paso County, you will be held accountable. We're just getting started." The new DWI Task Force is comprised of sheriff's deputies, county constables and Horizon City police officers working overtime. Its first operation took place on Friday and Saturday, April 18-19. The task force arrested 25 men and 11 women, ranging in age from 17 to 52 years old, stated Sheriff's Office information. Thirty drivers face DWI charges, with the remainder arrested on charges including drug possession, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and the arrest of one fugitive from Arizona. More: 'Outrageous': Judge denies bond reduction for Fort Bliss soldier charged in fatal crash Ugarte added that he plans on asking county commissioners for funding for a full-time, permanent county DWI Task Force. The El Paso Police Department has its own permanent DWI Task Force funded in part by state grants. The DWI Task Force is part of the new sheriff's focus on community concerns, including driver's license and auto insurance street checkpoints and cracking down on illegal dumping in the desert. Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@ and @BorundaDaniel on X. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso County sheriff launches new DWI Task Force
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
48 arrests made by DWI Task Force over 2 days in El Paso County
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with multiple regional law-enforcement agencies, arrested nearly 50 people over two days in a countywide DWI Task Force operation. According to the news release by the Sheriff's Office, 48 arrests were made in a two-day span. 'We are incredibly grateful to every agency that participated in this joint effort and to our County and City leaders for recognizing the seriousness of DWIs in our region,' El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. 'We're proud to lead this initiative and even prouder to see our entire law enforcement community unite around the common goal of protecting lives. I also want to thank the men and women in law enforcement who go out every day to serve and protect, and our dedicated detention officers who play a vital role in supporting these operations.' Ride-along with El Paso County Sheriff's DWI Task Force sheds light on problem Here is the offense breakdown for the DWI Task Force operation: Driving while intoxicated (DWI) – 20 DWI BAC ≥ 0.15 – 6 DWI BAC ≥ 0.15 and resisting arrest – 1 DWI with open alcohol container – 2 DWI and possession of marijuana – 1 DWI and possession of controlled substance PG 1 – 1 DWI 3rd or more – 2 DWI 2nd offense – 2 DWI and unlawful carry of a weapon – 1 DUI minor – 1 Public intoxication – 3 Assault causing bodily injury – 1 Evading arrest with motor vehicle – 1 Evading arrest and assault – 1 Possession of controlled substance – 2 Parole violation – 1 Criminal mischief – 1 Traffic warrants – 1 Here is a list of other arrestees in the DWI Task Force operation. There were no photos provided. Alubia Janeth Gloria, 30 Driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana. No bond. Laura Alejandra Gloria Heredia, 31 Public intoxication. No bond. Christian Lara, 25 Driving while intoxicated. $1,000 bond. Hector Grajeda, 38 Possession of a controlled substance. No bond. Daniela Ramirez Ferrer, 30 Driving while intoxicated. Pending bond. Raymundo Rodriguez, 27 DWI open alcohol container and possession of a controlled substance. Pending bond. Huzziel Viramontes, 18 Criminal mischief. Pending bond. Julian Chavez, 27 DWI open alcohol container and possession of a controlled substance. Pending bond. Arthur Obel Okello, 31 Driving while intoxicated. No bond. Brianna Valenzuela, 19 DUI minor. Pending bond. Balvina Aguayo, 24 Driving while intoxicated. Pending bond. The following agencies were a part of the DWI Task Force: El Paso County Sheriff's Office El Paso Police Department Socorro Police Department Clint Police Department San Elizario Police Department Anthony Police Department El Paso Constable Precinct 1 El Paso Constable Precinct 2 El Paso Constable Precinct 3 El Paso Constable Precinct 4 El Paso Constable Precinct 6 Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Sheriff's Office launches DWI Task Force, makes 36 arrests
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office launched its first-ever Driving While Intoxicated Task Force and combined with other El Paso area law-enforcement agencies to make 36 arrests this Easter weekend, the Sheriff's Office said. El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte launched the DWI Task Force in response to one of the most frequently raised concerns he heard during his campaign, the Sheriff's Office said. The weekend operation took place on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19. The task force consisted of deputies from the Sheriff's Office; the Horizon Police Department, under guidance of Chief Marco Vargas; and County Constable Offices for Precinct 1 (Contstable Frank Almada); Precinct 4 (Constable Luis 'Louie' Aguilar); and Precinct 6 (Constable Javier Garcia). Together, the agenices made 36 arrests over the two days, with total aggregated bonds of $220,000. Charges included: 19 driving while intoxicated 3 DWI with child under 15 years old 2 DWI with open container 1 DWI, second offense 1 DWI, third or more offense 4 DWI with blood alcohol content greater than or equal to 0.15 6 possession of illegal narcotics 2 evading arrest or detention 1 escape 1 fugitive from justice (Arizona) 1 impersonating a public servant 1 resisting arrest, search, or transport 1 assault on a peace officer 1 minor in possession of tobacco 1 open container 1 unlawful carrying of a weapon These efforts were carried out by officers working overtime, as the Sheriff's Office does not currently have a full-time DWI Task Force, the agency said. Ugarte plans to formally request funding from Commissioners Court during the next fiscal year to establish a permanent, full-time DWI Task Force dedicated to year-round enforcement and prevention, the Sheriff's Office said. 'This task force reflects what we can achieve when local law enforcement agencies unite behind a common goal — keeping our residents safe,' Ugarte said. 'The community asked us to act on DWIs, and we listened. These arrests send a clear message: If you drive impaired in El Paso County, you will be held accountable. We're just getting started.' The DWI Task Force will continue operations throughout the year, focusing on high-risk areas and peak times to maximize impact, the Sheriff's Office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
EPCSO to increase patrols during Spring Break, St. Patrick's Day weekend
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office will increase patrols throughout Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day weekend, the department said on Friday, March 14. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies will be conducting enhanced patrols countywide, targeting areas where impaired driving incidents are more prevalent. The purpose of the increased patrol is to focus 'on keeping the community safe by identifying and arresting impaired drivers,' according to the Sheriff's Office. 'Our priority is to keep El Paso County families safe,' Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. 'If you choose todrink, make a responsible choice — use a designated driver, a rideshare service, or publictransportation.' The El Paso County District Attorney's Office is offering $20 Uber vouchers through the 'Pick Your Ride' program. To redeem your voucher, you can head to this link while supplies last. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Yahoo
EPCSO reminds residents to not drink, drive on Super Bowl Sunday
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPCSO) is reminding residents on Super Bowl Sunday to celebrate responsibly and avoid drinking and driving. EPCSO's Patrol Division will be out in full force, actively looking for impaired drivers, according to the department in a news release. According to the Sheriff's Office, the El Paso District Attorney's Office is offering $20 Uber vouchers to encourage residents to use a safe and sober ride home instead of risking a DWI arrest. 'Super Bowl weekend is a time for friends and family to come together, but it's also one of the most dangerous weekends for drunk driving,' El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. 'If you plan on drinking, plan on a safe way home. Don't put your life or the lives of others at risk.' According to the Sheriff's Office, driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries the following severe consequences in Texas: First offense: A fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a loss of driver's license for up to a year. Second offense: A fine of up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, and a driver's license suspension for up to two years. Third offense: A fine of up to $10,000, between two and 10 years in prison, and a driver's license suspension for up to two years. Intoxicated Manslaughter: A second-degree felony carrying a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000. 'There's no excuse for driving drunk when there are safe options available,' Ugarte said. 'Use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation, just don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
