El Paso sheriff launches 'Safe Streets Operation' for 4th of July holiday weekend
The coordinated holiday operation is part of increased anti-drunken driving efforts since Sheriff Oscar Ugarte and El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson took office in January, including the creation of a sheriff's county DWI Task Force.
More: 'Enough is enough': El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson launches DWI crackdown
"We're not here to ruin anyone's holiday — we want you to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend with your family and friends," Ugarte said in a statement. "But if you drink and drive over the legal limit, know this: you will be stopped, and you will go to jail. My priority is to protect lives and keep our roads safe."
The holiday weekend operation — officially promoted as "Sheriff Ugarte's Safe Streets Operation" — includes the El Paso, Socorro, Horizon City, Anthony (Texas) and Clint police departments, county constables, Texas state troopers and the San Elizario Marshal's Office.
As part of the operation, sheriff's deputies will "maintain a high-visibility presence" to help prevent off-roading crashes and other trouble at the popular Red Sands desert off Montana Avenue, east of the El Paso city limits.
The Montana Vista area east of the El Paso limits annually draws hundreds of revelers for Independence Day because fireworks are banned in El Paso but legal outside city limits.
El Paso County Commissioners Court this year voted to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks classified as 'skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" in unincorporated areas of the county to help prevent wildfires, the Sheriff's Office said in a news statement.
Other types of fireworks can still be sold.
The city of El Paso reminds residents that it is illegal to use, sell and possess fireworks within the city limits, stated a city news release issued on June 26.
Violations can result in a Class C Misdemeanor citation, with fines typically about $191 and up to $500 depending on a judge's decision, the city stated. Illegal fireworks can also be investigated as criminal mischief or arson, if there are damages. Law enforcement will keep watch for illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend.
Fireworks can pose a fire danger as well as causing distress to neighbors and pets, and can be a trauma reminder for veterans coping with PTSD.
"Fireworks can cause devastating harm — from severe burns and loss of fingers to structure fires that threaten entire neighborhoods," El Paso Fire Chief Jonathan Killings said in a statement. "We've seen how quickly a single spark can lead to tragedy. Please don't risk your safety, your property, or your neighbors' lives. Leave fireworks to the professionals."
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Fourth of July: Sheriff launches 'Safe Streets Operation'
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