VAN ETTEN, NY — A 34-year-old man faces multiple charges including weapon possession and driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop in the Town of Van Etten.
Evon M. Rodriguez, of Van Etten, was arrested Jan. 31, 2026, and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Driving While Intoxicated, an Unclassified Misdemeanor.
At about 5:22 p.m., a Chemung County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling State Route 224 when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction was observed going 98 mph in a posted 55 mph zone.
The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop by activating the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, but the vehicle continued for approximately 1.5 miles before stopping.
During the investigation, Rodriguez, who was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, was found to be impaired and arrested.
A search of the vehicle located a loaded 9mm handgun with a large capacity magazine.
The handgun was identified as a Polymer80, commonly known as a “ghost gun” due to having no serial number.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation and arrest.
Rodriguez was arraigned in the Town of Van Etten Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail with no bail due to being a two-time convicted felon.
