Oswego man arrested after trying to switch seats during traffic stop

New York – An Oswego man was arrested early Tuesday after New York State Police said he appeared to be trying to switch seats with another passenger during a traffic stop on Interstate 81.

The incident happened on August 11, 2026, at about 2:23 a.m. Troopers assigned to the New York State Police station in Homer were monitoring traffic in the town of Preble when they noticed a BMW sedan traveling north at a high rate of speed.

Police stopped the vehicle to investigate. As Troopers approached the BMW, they noticed what appeared to be an unusual movement inside the car. Travis R. Walcott, 31, of Oswego, was reportedly trying to move from the driver’s position into the passenger seat. At the same time, a 36-year-old woman was attempting to move from the backseat into the driver’s seat.

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The attempted seat change drew the attention of the Troopers, who asked Walcott to get out of the vehicle. Once he was outside, a Trooper observed characteristics that were consistent with impairment, according to police.

Walcott was then asked to take Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Police said the tests confirmed that he was impaired. Further investigation also revealed that Walcott’s driver’s license had been revoked.

The traffic stop resulted in three misdemeanor charges. Walcott was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the 2nd degree and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 3rd degree.

The woman who was in the vehicle was not charged in connection with the incident.

Police did not provide additional details about what led Walcott to allegedly attempt to change seats or how fast the BMW was traveling when Troopers first observed it. The incident remains based on the allegations outlined by the State Police, and the charges against Walcott are subject to court proceedings.

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Following his arrest, Walcott was processed at SP Homer. He was not held for an immediate court appearance but was issued appearance tickets.

Walcott is scheduled to appear in Preble Town Court on September 8, 2026, where the charges will move forward. Until the case is resolved in court, the allegations remain accusations and do not constitute a finding of guilt.

The early-morning stop highlights how a routine traffic enforcement action can quickly lead to additional charges when officers identify signs of possible impairment or other violations. In this case, what Troopers initially observed on Interstate 81 ultimately led to an arrest involving alleged drug impairment and a revoked driver’s license.