Pinellas County law enforcement agencies wrote 190 citations and 53 criminal charges during a countywide overnight “DUI Wolf Pack” operation before the Fourth of July holiday.
Thirty people are facing charges for driving under the influence and 30 others were issued DUI citations. Other criminal charges include drug offenses and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Law enforcement issued 53 speeding tickets.
The operation began at 7:00 p.m. Saturday until 5:00 a.m. Sunday and is “part of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing commitment to reduce the deaths, injuries and property damage associated with traffic crashes related to impaired driving,” according to a Sheriff’s statement. office “The goal of the Wolf Pack is to educate people and create public awareness of the dangers of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any chemical or controlled substance.”
In addition to the sheriff’s office, other participating agencies included the Florida Highway Patrol and police departments in Gulfport, St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Largo and Clearwater.
The Sheriff’s Office will also conduct “Saturation Patrol” throughout the county Sunday through Tuesday, maintaining a “proactive profile” during the holiday weekend on busy roads.
Saturday night’s operation was dedicated to the memory of Pete and Alicia Sznerch, a father and daughter who died when their vehicle was hit by a drunk driver. They had been traveling to a relative’s memorial service in Orlando, the sheriff’s office said, with Pete’s wife, Cathleen, and son, Nicholas, who both survived the crash.
