The Ohio State Highway Patrol says Franklin and Butler counties had the most arrests for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or OVI, last year according to new statistics released Tuesday. Troopers made 25,512 OVI arrests statewide last year, an increase of 782 arrests over 2007.

According to the recap from the Patrol’s Statistical Analysis Unit, during 2008, troopers made 1,441 OVI arrests in Franklin County and 1,132 in Butler County. Rounding out the top five were Lucas County, Montgomery County, and Lorain County. Of the statewide OVI arrests, 67 percent occurred between Midnight and 4:00 a.m.

In 2008, there were 15,318 OVI-related crashes on Ohio roadways, killing 466 and injuring 9,315.

Marion County had 232 such arrests, 6 less than Morrow County. Crawford County had an even 100 while Wyandot saw 61 arrests.

“The Patrol takes the crime of impaired driving seriously. And that is what impaired driving is – a crime,” Colonel Richard H. Collins, Patrol superintendent said. “Impaired driving is a crime that puts innocent people in danger, and all too frequently results in tragic consequences.”

So far this year through April 26, troopers have made 8,018 OVI arrests.