By Jason Emerson
editor
A 39-year-old Pennsylvania man is in county jail after passing out in his car — while still in gear — on Nickerson street in the village, the result of alleged drug use.
According to Cazenovia Village Police, a bulletin had gone out by regional law enforcement on April 19 to be on the lookout for a black Dodge Ram truck being driven erratically. At 6:03 a.m., a Cazenovia police officer identified the truck sitting in the middle of Nickerson street at the stop sign with Lincklaen Street, blocking traffic from both directions.
Upon approaching the car, Cazenovia police officer William Stevens found the driver, Donald E. Fisher, of Beech Creek, Pa., unconscious behind the wheel. The car was still in gear, although Fisher’s foot was on the brake, according to police. Stevens reached in the car and turned off the ignition, at which time Fisher regained consciousness.
According to the police report, Fisher appeared “highly agitated,” and had contracted pupils, hyperactive behavior, an inability to remain still, exaggerated and jerky body movements, difficulty focusing and following directions, and would randomly fall asleep, “even in mid-conversation.” A pat down of Fisher discovered a spoon in his pocket coated with an unknown residue that was sent to police labs for testing. A search of the vehicle uncovered a syringe needle.
Fisher was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired (DWAI) – drugs, parking on pavement and failure to keep right. He was arraigned in Cazenovia Village Court by Judge Moore and was remanded to Madison County Jail in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bond.
He is scheduled to return to court on May 3 to answer the charges.
