The Lakewood Police Department has made 32 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) arrests since April 1, TLS has learned, as officials warn motorists to avoid impaired driving heading into Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start of summer.

According to Capt. LeRoy Marshall of the Lakewood Police Department, the arrests were made throughout Lakewood Township as part of ongoing traffic enforcement and proactive patrol efforts targeting dangerous and impaired drivers.

With increased traffic and activity expected over the holiday weekend and throughout the summer months, police say officers will continue stepping up roadway safety enforcement and monitoring for intoxicated drivers.

Chief Gregory H. Meyer praised the efforts of the department’s officers while also issuing a public safety message to residents and visitors.

“Our officers have done an outstanding job proactively identifying impaired drivers and helping prevent potentially tragic incidents before they occur,” Meyer said. “As we head into Memorial Day Weekend and the busy summer season, the Lakewood Police Department remains fully committed to keeping our residents and visitors safe. We urge everyone to make responsible decisions, designate a sober driver, utilize rideshare services when needed, and never get behind the wheel while impaired.”

The department also reminded the public that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes and fatalities and encouraged residents to report suspected drunk drivers to police immediately.