Norwood man faces multiple charges after late-night arrest for tampering with evidence and driving while intoxicated

Norwood, New York – A late-night traffic stop in the village of Norwood led to the arrest of a local man on multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated and tampering with evidence, after authorities discovered a bag of cocaine hidden beneath his foot.

In the early hours of June 2, 2025, at approximately 1:27 a.m., New York State Police stopped a gray 2008 Toyota Tundra traveling along State Route 56. The vehicle, operated by 44-year-old Jonathan A. French of Norwood, was found to have a suspended registration, prompting officers to pull it over on Ridge Street.

When troopers approached the driver, they immediately noted signs of possible impairment. French was asked to perform a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which he failed. As the encounter continued, officers observed an unexpected development.

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During the interaction, “a plastic bag fell from him, and he attempted to cover it with his foot and press it into the ground.” The Troopers retrieved the bag, which later tested positive for cocaine. French was taken into custody and brought to the State Police station in Massena for further processing.

There, he submitted to a breathalyzer and registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%, confirming the Troopers’ suspicion of intoxication. Alongside the DWI charge, French is also facing counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and tampering with physical evidence.

Following his arrest, French was released with appearance tickets. He is scheduled to answer to the charges in the Town of Potsdam Court later this month.

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While the case remains under investigation, authorities have not disclosed whether French has any prior criminal history or pending legal matters. The combination of alleged drug possession, evidence tampering, and impaired driving marks this as a serious case under New York’s penal code.

Incidents involving attempts to conceal or destroy physical evidence, even in the moment, can lead to enhanced charges under state law. The tampering allegation stems directly from French’s actions at the scene, which Troopers witnessed in real-time.

The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement to monitor impaired driving and drug-related activity, especially during overnight hours when such violations often spike.

No injuries or other vehicles were involved in the stop, and the Toyota Tundra was not reported stolen. Officials did not provide further information about the suspension of the vehicle’s registration.

French will have the opportunity to contest the charges in court. Until then, he remains free under the conditions of his appearance release.