27 arrested for DWI over Super Bowl

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – Countless New Mexicans celebrated the Super Bowl XLIV, but some ended behind bars after drinking and driving.

Authorities in Albuquerque arrested 27 people Sunday night and early Monday morning, according to a spokesperson with the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center

In 2009, there were 43 DWI arrests over the same period.

Albuquerque police reported at least one car crash Sunday night near Paseo del Norte and Coors Blvd.

Police said alcohol may have been involved in the crash.

Despite the decrease in the arrests, the numbers are still too high, said Linda Atkinson, Executive Director of the DWI Resource Center.

"I think it is a lot, but if it is lower than last year and there were no crashes, maybe there are more people getting it, Atkinson said. Getting the message, that if you are out drinking and driving on Super Bowl Sunday, they'll be out looking for you."

The state's Drunk Busters Hotline received 58 calls statewide Sunday and Monday.

State Police made two DWI arrests from those calls.

In total, State Police arrested 15 people for DWI over the Super Bowl.