Erratic Driver Report Leads to Drug, DWI Arrests on I-87

Ramapo, NY – Two New Yorkers face drug and driving charges after State Police were dispatched to I-87 in Ramapo for a report of an erratic driver at about 9:53 p.m. Wednesday. While looking for the car, troopers located a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road that matched the earlier description.

Police said an interview of the driver, Katarina A. Bennett, 25, of Shirley, NY, and the passenger Jason C. Scott, 29, of Schenectady, gave troopers probable cause to search the vehicle and its occupants.

Police allege about 17 grams of Phencyclidine were found in Scott's possession, and Bennett was found to be intoxicated.

Both subjects were taken into custody, transported and processed at SP Tarrytown, where they were subsequently charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (Hallucinogen with intent to sell); a Class B Felony (Scott only)
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree (Stimulant); a Class B Felony (Scott only)
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree: a Class A Misdemeanor (Scott only)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs; Unclassified Misdemeanor (Bennett only)
• Vehicle and Traffic Violations (Bennett only)

Bennett was issued traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Ramapo Court on Jan. 4 and released to a sober third party. Scott is held pending arraignment in the Town of Ramapo Court.

PHOTO/ New York State Police