Crime & Safety

Lakewood Police Stepping Up Patrols Tonight

The day before Thanksgiving is known as one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Police will be keeping an eye on things around town.

The day before Thanksgiving is often known in law enforcement as one of the top drinking days of the year — right up there with the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.

Lakewood police will be paying attention.

“We’re going to have some special patrols on Wednesday night,” said police chief Timothy Malley, adding that officers will be posted near some of the bars in the city. 

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“Don’t drink and drive," he added. "Don’t drink and argue. Don’t drink and make a fool out of yourself.”

In addition to the Lakewood patrols, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding the drivers of the dangers of driving under the influence.

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Last year, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 17 people were killed on Ohio’s roadways. Thirty-percent of those deaths were related to impaired driving, according to a news release. 

AAA predicts 43.6 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday, up just 0.7 percent from last year.

The Patrol is urging motorists to contribute to roadway safety by planning ahead for increased drive time and making safety their first priority.

“We all share the responsibility of contributing to a safe holiday on Ohio roadways by obeying all traffic laws and never driving impaired,” Patrol superintendent Col. John Born said in a news release. “As a member of the motoring public, you can help save lives by reporting unsafe and aggressive drivers to law enforcement.”

Troopers recommend that motorists contact the Patrol by calling #677 to report drug activity or impaired drivers.


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