Extra Tyler Police Patrols

TYLER – With the help of a state grant, extra police patrols are out in Tyler over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The additional patrols are targeting DWI drivers and seat belt violations. Police spokesman Don Martin says a suspected drunk driver will be asked to submit to a breath test. If they refuse, officers will obtain a search warrant signed by a judge on call to have blood drawn by a nurse on staff at the Smith County Jail.

Officers will also be watching to make sure all occupants are properly restrained with a seat belt. That includes those in the back seat.

The extra patrols started in Tyler on Friday. They will run through Monday.