New service allows onsite blood draws for suspected drunk drivers in Hidalgo County

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Mission Police Department will now have medical professionals onsite to assist with drawing blood from people who have been arrested of suspected drunk driving.

Mission PD was awarded a grant by the Texas Department of Transportation as one of three law enforcement agencies in Texas to provide onsite blood drawing services.

"It's important to have that resource available to us because it helps us obtain a crucial part of evidence for us," said Corporal Luis Gutierrez with the Mission Police Department.

The new resource will accelerate the blood draw process.

Blood draws can take up to three hours in a hospital setting. Now blood draws will take approximately 10 minutes onsite.

"It helps us fortify our case. It helps us get those blood specimens up, the blood draws quicker. That way we don't lose that crucial evidence by the delay in time at the hospital," Guiterrez continued.

The new resource will be made available to surrounding law enforcement agencies in Hidalgo County.

"We openly welcome them to our agency," Gutierrez said.

Mission PD reminds the community of the consequences of drunk driving.

"Impaired driving is a serious issue. There's no reason to be driving impaired," Gutierrez said. "We have Lyft, Uber and other rideshare services. Take care of yourselves."