MCSO Deputy Erika Serrato July 4th DWI Initiative Results in 54 Impaired Driving Charges

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has announced that prosecutors accepted 52 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges and two Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) charges during the Deputy Erika Serrato July 4 DWI Initiative, a coordinated Independence Day weekend No Refusal enforcement effort.

This year’s Independence Day enforcement effort was dedicated to the memory of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Erika Serrato, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty last week. By bearing her name, the initiative honors her sacrifice and reflects the shared commitment of Montgomery County law enforcement to preventing impaired driving and protecting the public.

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, making impaired driving enforcement especially important. During the holiday weekend, 82 law enforcement officers were assigned to the Deputy Erika Serrato July 4th Initiative, working together to identify impaired drivers and help keep Montgomery County’s roads and waterways safe.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the agencies that participated in the Deputy Erika Serrato July 4th DWI Initiative, including the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3, Montgomery County Constable Precinct 4, Montgomery County Constable Precinct 5, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Conroe Police Department, the Roman Forest Police Department, and the Splendora Police Department.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office also recognizes and thanks every law enforcement officer, dispatcher, first responder, prosecutor, and support professional who served throughout the Independence Day weekend. While 82 officers were assigned to the Deputy Erika Serrato July 4th Initiative, countless others served across Montgomery County, sacrificing time with their own families so that ours could safely celebrate the holiday.

“The Deputy Erika Serrato July 4th DWI Initiative is about more than enforcement. It honors a deputy who answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community,” said Chief Prosecutor of Vehicular Crimes Taylor Vanegas. “Every impaired driver removed from our roads or waterways represents an opportunity to prevent another crash, another injury, and another family from experiencing unimaginable loss. We are grateful to every law enforcement professional who dedicated their holiday weekend to protecting others. Their work makes a real difference.”
District Attorney Mike Holley said the initiative reflects both the purpose behind the enforcement effort and the partnerships that make it successful.

“There is no greater tribute to Deputy Erika Serrato than continuing the work of protecting others,” Holley said. “I am grateful to every participating agency and to all of the public safety professionals who served our community throughout the holiday weekend. Their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication helped make Montgomery County a safer place to celebrate Independence Day.”

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office reminds the public that impaired driving and impaired boating are entirely preventable. Before celebrating, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, arrange a safe ride home, or choose a sober operator on the water. One responsible decision can save a life.