State Patrol Adding Support Ahead of Busy Weekend
October 28, 2022
ST. PAUL — With a busy weekend ahead in the Twin Cities metro area, the Minnesota State Patrol is adding capacity and reminding motorists to drive safely. Home games for the Vikings, Timberwolves, and Gopher football combined with Halloween activities in the coming days will bring large crowds and busy roadways.
In addition to regular staffing, the State Patrol has assigned additional troopers to the metropolitan area this weekend to combat dangerous driving, street racing and other calls for assistance. The additional troopers will work with the State Patrol aviation team to recognize and respond as safely as possible to any incidents.
“Our state troopers will be working alongside our communities and law enforcement partners throughout the state to ensure Halloween is scary for all the right reasons and that people travel responsibly so they get home safely," said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.
The State Patrol will also add an additional high visibility patrol shift in the City of Minneapolis on Monday, with both the State Patrol and the Minneapolis Police Department recognizing Halloween as a time when many people will be out enjoying the holiday.
“There is no better time than now to plan for a safe and sober ride this weekend," said Langer. “It is critical that drivers pay attention, obey the speed limit and ensure every occupant is wearing a seat belt. Traffic fatalities continue to trend downward in Minnesota. With Minnesotans heeding our advice, we can continue driving in that direction."
Earlier this year, the State Patrol significantly increased its presence around the Twin Cities by adding 20 additional troopers and aviation resources to designated areas at specific times. Troopers have made hundreds of traffic stops this year in an effort to help stop illegal street racing, dangerous driving, and other criminal activity. Those traffic stops led to dozens of DWI arrests and more than 100 citations for driving without a valid license.
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nicole.roddy@state.mn.us