Eagan Ranks Seventh in Number of DWI Arrests During Statewide Initiative

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Last month, Eagan ranked 14th on Money Magazine's annual "Best Places to Live" list. Last week, the city found itself near the top of another, less desirable list.

Eagan ranked seventh out of 315 reporting agencies in the number of DWI-related arrests during a statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign, according to information released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

The Eagan Police Department arrested 22 intoxicated drivers during the initiative, which began on Aug. 17 and ended on Sept. 3. Only St. Paul,  Minneapolis, Bloomington, Maplewood, Rochester and St. Cloud outranked Eagan in the number of arrests, according to state statistics. Scroll down to see how Eagan and other cities stacked up, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Each year, around 30,000 motorists are arrested for a DWI in Minnesota. Drunk driving crashes have resulted in 651 deaths during the past five years, including 111 in 2011, according to the Department of Public Safety. In 2011, the average DWI offender was arrested with a 0.16 alcohol-concentration level.

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.

"The tragedies and life-changing events as a result of drunk driving can be prevented by smart planning," Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske wrote in a press release. "It’s our responsibilities as motorists to plan a safe and sober ride to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking and putting our roads in danger."

Number of DWI-related Arrests From Aug. 17-Sept. 3