Chemung County, NY – A routine traffic patrol in Chemung County escalated into a felony arrest Friday evening after deputies say a Van Etten man was caught speeding at nearly double the posted limit and later found in possession of a loaded “ghost gun.”
According to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 5:22 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2026, on State Route 224 in the Town of Van Etten. A sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle traveling 98 mph in a posted 55 mph zone while heading in the opposite direction.
Authorities say the deputy turned around and attempted to initiate a traffic stop using emergency lights and sirens, but the vehicle continued for approximately 1.5 miles before finally pulling over.
During the investigation, deputies identified the driver as 34-year-old Evon M. Rodriguez of Van Etten, who was also the sole occupant of the vehicle. According to investigators, Rodriguez was allegedly impaired at the time of the stop and was taken into custody.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded 9mm handgun equipped with a large-capacity magazine, authorities said. The firearm was identified as a Polymer80 handgun, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” because it lacked a serial number.
Rodriguez was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, along with Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Driving While Intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor.
The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division assisted with the case. Rodriguez was arraigned in Van Etten Town Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail without bail due to allegedly being a two-time convicted felon. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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