STOCKHOLM — A Potsdam man was charged with impaired driving following a traffic stop on CR 47 Saturday afternoon, according to state police.

Troopers said they observed a green 1995 Chevrolet C/K 3500 dump truck traveling on US Highway 11B violate the vehicle and traffic laws.

Trooper reportedly followed the truck onto County Route 47 and initiated a traffic stop.

While interviewing the driver, he was showing signs of impairment.

Troopers said they charged 60-year old Billie B. Merrick, 60,  Potsdam, with first-degree operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and vehicle and traffic tickets.

Troopers administered a standardized field sobriety test, which Merrick allegedly failed.

Merrick was found in possession of a smoking device and drug paraphernalia.

A passenger in the vehicle, Lynn M. Fisher, 47, Madrid, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

Fisher was searched and found to be in possession of a smoking device.  

Merrick and Fisher were arrested and transported to SP Canton for processing, police said.  Both were released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Stockholm Court for a later date in March.