HAMMOND — State police monitored traffic on State Highway 37 in Hammond while road crews were conducting shoulder work. During the detail, troopers blend in with the workers and watched for unsafe behavior.

20 tickets were issued: One driving while ability impaired, three speeding tickets, one cell phone violation, five seat belt tickets, one moving violation and nine non-moving violations.

Troopers responded May 22 at 8:48 a.m. to a one-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 37, in Hammond, approximately 6 miles from the work zone, the detail was setting up. An investigation determined the operator, who was identified as Cody J. Gladle, age 28, of Gouverneur, had fled the scene of the accident. A trooper assigned to the detail located Gladle, walking alongside State Route 37.

While interviewing Gladle regarding the accident, he was showing signs of impairment. Troopers administered SFST which he failed.

He was charged with driving while intoxicated impaired by drugs and transported to SP Ogdensburg for processing. During a safety search of Gladle and his belongings, he was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Gladle was released on an appearance ticket for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and issued a vehicle and traffic ticket for operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs.

Motorists are reminded to drive responsibly in work zones. Make sure to follow the postage signage and put down any distractions.

Slow down, and move over to another lane when it is safe to do so. Everyone working on the side of the roadways deserves to get back home safely.