OSAGE COUNTY — In a continued effort to combat impaired driving and honor the life of Riley Pipes, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol coordinated a successful DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) saturation on Sunday and Monday nights. The operation aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and promote public safety on Missouri’s roadways.

The pre-operation briefing was attended by MoDOT law enforcement liaison Art Amato and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) representative Heather Elder. Both individuals expressed their support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and enforcement in preventing senseless tragedies caused by impaired driving.

The saturation was held in honor of Riley Pipes, who tragically lost his life in a car crash on Oct. 9, 2024, due to a drunk-driving incident. This event serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the need for continued vigilance in keeping roads safe.

Sheriff Mike Bonham and Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Coby Holzschuh led the saturation, deploying multiple law enforcement officers to key locations throughout the county to identify and arrest impaired drivers. The initiative was met with support from local residents, who expressed their appreciation for the enforcement effort and its focus on keeping families safe.

“We are committed to making sure that Riley’s story and others like it serve as a constant reminder that impaired driving is a dangerous choice that puts all of us at risk,” said Bonham. “The saturation was an important step in holding offenders accountable and raising awareness about the impacts of drunk driving.”

Elder echoed this sentiment. “Tonight’s DWI saturation was not just about enforcement — it was about honoring the memory of Riley Pipes and protecting other families from the pain of losing a loved one in a senseless and preventable crash,” she said.

The saturation resulted in multiple arrests for impaired driving, with law enforcement remaining dedicated to continuing these efforts to keep Missouri’s roadways safe. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol will continue to collaborate on initiatives aimed at reducing impaired driving and preventing future tragedies.

For additional information on DWI enforcement efforts and upcoming community safety initiatives, please contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 573-897-0911.