State Police Arrest Tractor Trailer Driver For DWI – Found With Illegal Assault Weapon

On Wednesday, August 21st around 1:40pm, State Police say they, along with assistance from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, arrested 52 year old William Harris of Richmond Virginia who was operating an oversized tractor trailer while under the influence of alcohol.

State Police say their Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit was at the Preble Rest Stop on I81 North conducting commercial vehicle checks. During the checks, all commercial vehicles are required to enter the rest stop for an inspection.

During the inspection, Troopers saw a tractor trailer attempting to bypass the ongoing inspection. State Police were able to catch up to the tractor trailer and pulled them over. During their interview with the driver (William Harris) as to why he failed to stop at the inspection, Troopers believed Harris may be intoxicated.

A Standardized Field Sobriety Test was done on Harris, which resulted in signs of impairment. Troopers arrested Harris for DWI in a Commercial Vehicle. During his arrest, Troopers also found him to be in possession of an assault weapon. He was then additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

Harris was taken to State Police at Homer where his Blood Alcohol Content was .09%; commercial drivers legal limit for BAC is .04%. He was taken to the Cortland County Jail for Arraignment State Police said in a release.