Brooklyn Man Faces Felony Drug Charges After Broome County Pursuit
A traffic stop on I-86 escalated into a pursuit ending after a State Police vehicle was struck.
A Brooklyn man faces felony drug charges after New York State Police said a traffic stop in Broome County turned into a pursuit Tuesday evening, with the driver allegedly speeding through traffic, throwing suspected drugs from his vehicle and eventually striking a State Police vehicle.
Ferris Travon Brown, 42, of Brooklyn, was arrested Aug. 18 following the pursuit, which began in the town of Sanford and ended in the town of Windsor, according to a State Police news release issued Aug. 20.
Police reported recovering approximately 7.2 ounces of suspected fentanyl, along with other substances, after Brown was taken into custody. The substances were described by police as suspected drugs or related materials; laboratory confirmation was not included in the release.
Traffic stop begins on State Route 17/I-86
State Police said members of Troop C’s Community Stabilization Unit and Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team were involved in the arrest.
At approximately 5:23 p.m. Aug. 18, troopers spotted a 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer traveling west on State Route 17/Interstate 86 in Sanford at what police described as a high rate of speed. Troopers initiated a traffic stop.
Police said Brown initially stopped.
According to the State Police account, however, he then drove away, prompting troopers to pursue him.
During the pursuit, police alleged Brown continued traveling at high speeds and drove recklessly through traffic.
Troopers also reported seeing the driver throw what they believed were narcotics from the vehicle.
Those allegations have not been proven in court.
Police vehicle struck as pursuit ends in Windsor
The pursuit continued into Windsor, where State Police alleged Brown intentionally struck a New York State Police vehicle.
Police said Brown was then ordered from the Chevrolet and taken into custody without further incident.
The State Police release did not report injuries to Brown, troopers or other motorists.
Authorities also did not provide additional details about the damage to the police vehicle.
Troopers report recovering suspected fentanyl
Following the arrest, State Police reported recovering several substances.
According to the agency, the items included:
- Approximately 7.2 ounces of suspected fentanyl
- Approximately 1.8 ounces of suspected powdered Novocain
- Approximately 3 ounces of mannite
State Police described the fentanyl as suspected fentanyl. The release does not state that laboratory testing had confirmed the chemical composition of the material.
That distinction is important in criminal cases because substances recovered during an arrest may later undergo laboratory analysis as part of the prosecution.
Multiple felony charges filed
Brown was charged with several offenses, including four felonies.
State Police listed the charges as:
- Second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A-II felony
- Third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class B felony
- First-degree reckless endangerment, a Class D felony
- Tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony
- Criminally using drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor
- Unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor
The charges represent accusations. Brown is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Brown taken to Broome County Jail
After his arrest, Brown was processed at the State Police barracks in Binghamton.
State Police said he was then turned over to the Broome County Jail for centralized arraignment.
The agency’s Aug. 20 release did not provide information about Brown’s plea, bail status, attorney or next scheduled court appearance.
Why the suspected fentanyl seizure matters
Fentanyl has remained a major concern for law enforcement and public health officials because of its potency and its role in fatal overdoses across New York and the United States.
In this case, however, readers should distinguish between the broader fentanyl crisis and the allegations involving Brown.
Police say they recovered approximately 7.2 ounces of suspected fentanyl. The State Police release does not provide laboratory results, evidence regarding where the material came from or allegations about where it was intended to be distributed.
Those questions could become part of later court proceedings.
Police pursuits carry risks beyond the suspect
The case also highlights the danger associated with police pursuits on heavily traveled highways.
State Police alleged that Brown traveled recklessly through traffic before the chase ended after a patrol vehicle was struck.
Even when officers are attempting to apprehend someone accused of a serious offense, pursuits can create risks for law enforcement officers, suspects and motorists who have no involvement in the incident.
The State Police release did not indicate whether any civilian vehicles were damaged during this pursuit.
What happens next
Brown’s case will now move through the criminal justice system, where prosecutors will have to establish the allegations supporting the charges.
Important questions that may emerge include:
- Whether laboratory testing confirms the substances recovered by police
- The circumstances surrounding the initial traffic stop
- Evidence concerning objects allegedly thrown from the vehicle
- Evidence related to the collision with the State Police vehicle
- Whether additional charges are filed or existing charges are modified
As with any criminal case, those issues will ultimately be determined through the court process rather than the initial police report.
Conclusion
A routine highway traffic stop in Broome County became a significant felony investigation after State Police say a Brooklyn driver fled along I-86, traveled recklessly through traffic, discarded suspected drugs and struck a police vehicle before being taken into custody.
Brown now faces several felony and misdemeanor charges, while police say approximately 7.2 ounces of suspected fentanyl were recovered.
The investigation and prosecution remain ongoing.
Readers should remember that criminal charges are allegations, and Brown is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Utica Phoenix will continue following major public-safety developments across Central New York and the Southern Tier as additional verified information becomes available.
Source: New York State Police, Aug. 20, 2026.
