DUI arrests continue to rise in Las Vegas

CREATED Jul. 31, 2012

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  • Metro confirms a growing threat on valley roadways, and it comes from an increase in the number of people arrested for driving under the influence. Video by ktnv.com

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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Las Vegas police confirms a growing threat on valley roadways and it comes from an increase in the number of people arrested for driving under the influence.

Going into the July 4th holiday, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department had already arrested 5,356 motorists for DUI. Not even a month later, Metro's 2012 DUI arrest total has jumped to 6,121.

While it's a good sign that police are continuing to crack down, it's alarming to think so many drivers are still making a decision that all too often turns deadly.

"You have no idea until you walk in my shoes," says Robyn Wynkoop. "To wake up and find out your mother has been murdered."

This month marks four years since Wynkoop's mom, Patricia Hoff, was killed by a driver who was high on drugs.

Hoff was waiting at a bus stop near Boulder Highway and Flamingo when she as hit by Steven Murray. Murray is currently serving life in prison for killing Hoff and leaving another woman paralyzed.

"Its so hard to be alone in this world, all because somebody's done something so awful to your family," Wynkoop says. "My kids will never know their grandma."

Yet, it seems more families continue to be affected. So far this year, Metro has arrested nearly 1,000 more motorists for DUI as compared to the same time last year.

"That's almost 1,000 potential killers that were taken off our roadways," says Sandy Heverly, the Executive Director of STOP DUI. "God only knows how many lives were saved because of that. It comes down to people understanding that they are driving a 5,000 pound weapon."

"Just don't get behind the wheel unless you're sober," Wynkoop pleads. "Nothing is worth what you're going to do to yourself, or someone else. You don't know what the consequence could be."