On Friday, the New York State Police arrested William Surmik, age 32, of Ohio, following a traffic stop in the town of Hornellsville, in Steuben County.
At approximately 9:17 a.m., troopers from SP Hornell observed a 2010 Ford pickup truck traveling on State Route 36 when the vehicle abruptly braked and swerved, coming to a rest on the west shoulder of the roadway. During the subsequent traffic stop, troopers allegedly observed Surmik exhibiting signs of impairment and noted a broken glass smoking device in plain view on the vehicle floorboards.
A further investigation led to the seizure of approximately 2.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 0.8 grams of suspected LSD, and additional smoking devices. While Surmik provided a breath test indicating a 0.00% blood alcohol content, he was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert and determined to be impaired by drugs.
Surmik was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a class D felony; Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a class A misdemeanor; Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs, an unclassified misdemeanor; and various vehicle and traffic infractions.
Surmik was transported to the Steuben County Jail for centralized arraignment.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
