Traffic Stop in Bath Leads to Drug-Related Arrests

Police reported observing drug paraphernalia on the floorboard as the passengers exited the vehicle, prompting a further search.

A routine traffic stop in Bath on the night of February 16 led to the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges and an outstanding warrant, according to law enforcement officials.

New York State Police pulled over a vehicle at approximately 10:39 p.m. on East William Street for traffic violations. Officers from the Bath Police Department arrived to assist during the investigation.

The driver was identified as Joseph L. Burleson, 60, of Savona, while two passengers were also in the vehicle. Authorities identified the front passenger as Robert E. Wright, 42, of Campbell, and the rear passenger as Terry L. Bulkley, 44, of Bath.

Police reported observing drug paraphernalia on the floorboard as the passengers exited the vehicle, prompting a further search. Officers said they discovered additional drugs inside the vehicle and on Wright’s person, including approximately one gram of suspected methamphetamine, methamphetamine residue, suboxone tablets without a prescription, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia.

Following the investigation, Wright was taken into custody and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.

Authorities also determined that Bulkley had an active warrant from the Corning Police Department, leading to his arrest.

Both individuals were processed at SP Bath before being transported to the Steuben County Jail. They were scheduled for arraignment in CAP Court on February 17 at 8:30 a.m.