Loose Xanax Pills discovered During Vehicle Search

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports Deputy Zamorek stopped a vehicle on the northbound side of Route 400 in the Town of Elma at 12:35 A.M. on June 28 for traffic offenses.

While speaking with the operator, the Deputy observed multiple signs of impairment and Nathan Justin, 25, of Buffalo failed subsequent standard field sobriety tests.  Initial breath screening results indicated a BAC of nearly 1.5 times and a Drug Recognition Expert, Deputy Biegasiewicz, determined Justin was also under the influence of drugs.  The Deputy also discovered the driver’s New York State license was suspended.

While inventorying the vehicle before a tow, the Deputies discovered a quantity of loose Xanax pills. 

Justin is charged with a felony count of aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, DWI-Drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance not in the original container, and three separate vehicle and traffic violations.  The defendant was released to the custody of a sober third party with appearance tickets for Elma Town Court.