HORNELLSVILLE, NY — A traffic stop on State Route 36 led to the arrest of an Ohio man on drug and impaired driving charges.
William J. Surmik, 32, of Ohio, was taken into custody Feb. 27, 2026, following an investigation by New York State Police from the Hornell barracks.
Troopers observed a 2010 Ford pickup truck traveling on State Route 36 at approximately 9:17 a.m. when the vehicle abruptly braked and swerved before coming to rest facing the west shoulder of the roadway, according to police.
During the traffic stop, Surmik exhibited signs consistent with impairment, police said.
Troopers observed a broken glass smoking device in plain view on the floorboards of the vehicle.
Police located and seized approximately 2.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 0.8 grams of suspected LSD, and additional glass smoking devices.
Surmik was transported to State Police Hornell for further investigation, where standardized field sobriety tests were conducted.
A breath test indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.00%.
Surmik was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert and determined to be impaired.
He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor; operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs; and vehicle and traffic infractions.
Surmik was transported to the Steuben County Jail for centralized arraignment.
