About 2,000 DWI Arrests in Minnesota Since Nov. 23: Report

Approximately 2,000 people have been arrested for DWI in Minnesota since Nov. 23, according to the Office of Traffic Safety. That number includes about 200 arrests over the holiday weekend.

"Driving drunk is deadly. It’s dumb. And it’s still a problem on our roads," the agency said on Facebook. "Line up a sober ride every time your plans include alcohol."

Last week, a new Robbinsdale police officer had been done with training for all of 24 minutes when his squad was hit (photo above) by an alleged drunk driver. The incident happened outside of North Memorial Medical Center.

The officer was walking to his squad car when another vehicle hit it from behind, forcing it about three car lengths down and onto the sidewalk. Five to 10 seconds earlier and the officer would have been near his trunk and likely seriously injured in the crash, according to authorities.

The suspect was treated for minor injuries. Officers believe alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

The driver told police he had "two to five White Russians" at a bar six blocks away. He allegedly said he remembered getting in his car but had no recollection of driving.

Extra DWI enforcement continues Thursday and Friday.

Image via Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety