Off-Duty Deputy Spots Drugged-Up Teen Driving on 390 in Avon

AVON – An off-duty Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted and reported an erratic driver on 390 on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of a 16-year-old who was allegedly driving while under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant and cannabis.

According to a press release from Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, the 16 year old male from Pittsford, whose name and photo are being witheld due to his age, was arrested for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and other NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations as part of Operation Safe Interstate.

On Dec. 26 at approximately 10:52 p.m., off-duty Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Williams was traveling southbound on I-390 in the Town of Avon in his personal vehicle. Deputy Williams phoned into the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and reported he was following a vehicle that was driving erratically, nearly driving off the shoulder of the road.

At about 10:55 p.m. Deputy Connor Sanford of the Sheriff’s STOP DWI Unit and Deputy Shawn Whitford of the Sheriff’s Operation Safe Interstate detail located and stopped the vehicle on 390 southbound in the Town of Avon.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as the 16-year-old. The subject’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely was questioned and field tests were administered roadside. The subject was subsequently arrested for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.

The subject was transported to the Livingston County Sheriffs Office where Deputy Brandan Flickner of the STOP DWI Unit and also a Drug Recognition Expert, conducted a drug evaluation of him. Deputy Flickner concluded that in his expert opinion the subject’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely was impaired by a central nervous system depressant and cannabis.

The subject was arraigned in Geneseo Town Court by Judge Houston, who released him on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in Avon Town Court on a later date.

The investigation and arrest were handled by Deputy Connor Sanford, Deputy Shawn Whitford, Deputy Brandan Flickner and Deputy Michael Williams all of the Livingston County Sheriffs Office.

The Sheriff reminds motorists that if they see potentially dangerous or erratic driving or conditions such as this in their daily travels, they can reach the Sheriff’s Office at (585) 243-7100, or in emergencies to call 911 immediately.