Cortlandville sheriff’s office arrests two on impaired driving charges

CORTLANDVILLE — Officers from the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men on impaired driving charges after a traffic stop on Blodgett Mills Road on Feb. 19.

Authorities said the traffic stop occurred after officers observed two vehicles violating New York traffic laws.

The driver of the first vehicle, James L. Plaches, 56, of Route 13 in the town of Truxton, was found to be driving while his ability was impaired by drugs, officials said.

Investigators determined that he did not have a valid New York driver’s license.

Plaches was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor, and four traffic infractions, including having an unsafe tire, no seatbelt, an inadequate muffler, and stopping or parking on a public highway.

The driver of the second vehicle, Vincent P. Edwards, 55, of Route 13 in the town of Truxton, was found to be driving while his privileges in New York were revoked, according to deputies.

Edwards was also determined to be driving while his ability was impaired by drugs.

He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a felony, as well as driving while ability impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor.

He was also cited for operating outside of an interlock device restriction, unlicensed operation, and driving across hazard markings.

Both men were taken to the Public Safety Building for processing.

Plaches was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Cortlandville Court on March 3 at 2:30 p.m.

Edwards was arraigned through the Centralized Arraignment Process and released on his own recognizance.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. in the Town of Cortlandville Court.