New York State Police arrested three individuals, including a Lake Placid resident, during a traffic stop in Harrietstown on September 30, 2026.
On September 30, 2026, New York State Police arrested three people after a traffic stop in Harrietstown.
Ajarel L. Patterson, 34, of Utica, was charged with several offenses, including criminal possession of a forged instrument, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, tampering with physical evidence, and multiple counts of criminal possession of controlled substances. He also faced several vehicle and traffic violations.
Plumer D. Reed, 49, also of Utica, was charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug and multiple counts of criminal possession of controlled substances.
Samantha M. Stillwell, 38, of Lake Placid, was charged with tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
A search of the vehicle they were in turned up narcotics and drug‑related paraphernalia. During the stop, Patterson resisted when a trooper tried to detain him. The Saranac Lake Police Department assisted the troopers.
Patterson and Reed were arraigned in Harrietstown Court and sent to Franklin County Jail. Stillwell was released on an appearance ticket and is expected to appear in Harrietstown Court later.
This investigation is ongoing. We'll update the story as more information becomes available.