Sheriff's Office: 12 people arrested for drunken driving as deputies increase patrols for New Year's Eve

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office says 12 people were arrested for driving under the influence during increased New Year's Eve patrols.

Sheriff David Clarke ordered increased patrols beginning on Wednesday, December 31st, 2014 through Thursday, January 1st, 2015.  The New Year’s Eve initiative focused on keeping the public safe from those who engage in the dangerous behavior of driving under the influence. 

There were four repeat offenders arrested.

From Wednesday at noon through Thursday at noon, the Sheriff’s Office enforcement initiative resulted in the following arrests, citations, and calls for service:

Sheriff's officials say the first DUI arrest occurred at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, December 31st. The last took place at 7:01 a.m. Thursday, January 1st.

The average prohibited alcohol level was .11. The highest was .17, according to Sheriff's officials.

Of those arrested for drunken driving, seven were arrested for their first offense. Four were arrested for their second offense, and one was arrested for their third offense.                           

One of those arrested, 27-year-old Jerauld Sims of Milwaukee, is accused of fleeing a Sheriff's deputy. Sheriff's officials say just before 11:30 p.m., a deputy conducted a traffic stop near 25th and St. Paul. During the course of the field sobriety tests, Sheriff's officials say Sims fled from the scene on foot -- jumping off a bridge with an approximate 20-foot drop and running into a wooded area. A deputy and his K9 partner responded, tracked the man and took him into custody.

Sheriff's officials say Sims had two juvenile passengers in his vehicle -- both 16 years old.

Deputies found a loaded revolver under the front seat.

Sheriff's officials say Sims has a conviction for armed robbery and cannot legally possess a weapon.

He faces the following charges: first-offense DUI -- and felon in possession of a firearm.