LEICESTER, N.Y. — Deputies arrested a Dansville man on felony DWAI charges after responding to a vehicle complaint Friday evening.
According to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 7:26 p.m. Friday (March 6) to a residence on Perry Road in the Town of Leicester after a report of a vehicle parked in a driveway with a man slumped over the steering wheel.
Deputies arriving at the scene made contact with the driver, identified as Michael Baker, 40, of Dansville, who allegedly told officers he had pulled over because he was tired.
Authorities said deputies suspected Baker was under the influence of drugs and began a driving while intoxicated investigation, including standardized field sobriety tests.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Baker was taken into custody and charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials said Baker allegedly refused evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert. A records check also reportedly showed he had a prior DWAI Drugs conviction in 2022, elevating the charge to a felony, deputies said.
During the investigation, deputies also allegedly found Baker in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Deputy Caleb Nellis charged Baker with:
- Felony DWAI Drugs / Refusal
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 3rd Degree
Authorities said Baker was transported to the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention.
He was later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) before West Sparta Justice Mahany, who remanded Baker to the custody of the sheriff without bail due to having two or more prior felony convictions, according to officials.
The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office represented Baker during arraignment, while the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office represented the prosecution.
The investigation also involved assistance from the New York State Police and New York State Park Police.
For local commuters and residents, impaired driving cases remain a focus of ongoing enforcement across Livingston County roadways.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
