NEW HARTFORD, NY — A traffic stop on State Route 840 led to the arrest of a motorist on aggravated driving while intoxicated charges April 20, 2026.
A New Hartford Police Stop DWI Enforcement Officer conducted a vehicle stop at approximately 1 p.m. after observing a dark-colored van traveling at a high rate of speed on State Route 840.
Police observed the vehicle entering eastbound traffic from Middle Settlement Road without signaling and continuing at speeds significantly above the posted limit.
The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, observing the vehicle accelerate, change lanes multiple times without signaling, and operate in an erratic manner as the vehicle continued onto State Route 12 northbound.
The vehicle eventually pulled over near the French Road exit ramp, nearly colliding into a guardrail while coming to a stop.
The driver was found to be the only occupant.
During the stop, the officer observed signs of possible impairment, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage.
The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and submit to standardized field sobriety tests.
Upon completing the tests, the operator of the vehicle was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Devon Eaton, 24, of Staten Island, New York, was transported to the New Hartford Police Department where further arrest processing was completed.
Eaton was charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18% or more, illegal signal less than 100 feet from turn, speeding in excess of 55 mph and failure to wear a seat belt.
Eaton was issued uniform traffic tickets and released.
