24 DUI arrests over St. Patrick's Day weekend in Butte

Thousands celebrated St. Patrick's Day in Uptown Butte, but law enforcement expressed concern over the number of people choosing to drive under the influence. Butte Sheriff Ed Lester highlighted the disappointment, noting the efforts made to promote safe transportation options, including free rides from bars and the availability of cabs and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

Between March 14 and March 18, Butte police reported a total of 39 arrests, with 24 of those for DUI. Sheriff Lester emphasized the importance of planning ahead to avoid driving after drinking, urging individuals to make responsible choices before attending celebrations.

Fortunately, the celebrations did not lead to major issues on Monday, with police making only 15 disturbance-related arrests, some of which were not linked directly to the festivities. Sheriff Lester noted that this was a relatively positive outcome compared to past years, where St. Patrick's Day events in Butte resulted in over 100 arrests.

To manage the celebrations more effectively, law enforcement has adapted their strategies, incorporating a high visibility presence with officers on foot and collaborating with the Montana Highway Patrol. This proactive approach aims to address disturbances promptly and minimize risks.

Overall, the weekend was marked by good spirits, with relatively few serious incidents despite the large number of celebrants, although some minor altercations were reported. Sheriff Lester expressed relief at avoiding significant injuries, attributing the success of the weekend to enhanced law enforcement tactics.