Driver Arrested for Aggravated DWI Following Traffic Stop on Seneca Turnpike

Utica Man Arrested for Aggravated DWI After Wrong-Way Driving Incident on Seneca Turnpike

On June 20, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers on routine patrol observed a gray Toyota Camry traveling eastbound on Seneca Turnpike in the center turn lane while passing multiple vehicles. Officers initiated a traffic stop after observing several traffic violations, including unsafe lane movements and crossing solid lane markings. The vehicle failed to immediately stop and continued eastbound before turning the wrong way onto Alexandria Road. The driver then complied and pulled over.

The operator was identified as 53-year-old Jasmin Pjanic of Utica. During the investigation, officers observed signs of impairment. Pjanic failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was taken into custody for Driving While Intoxicated.

A subsequent chemical breath test revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.18% or higher, more than twice New York State's legal limit of 0.08%. Pjanic was placed under arrest, and his vehicle was towed from the scene.

Pjanic was charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, a misdemeanor, along with multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. He was issued six Uniform Traffic Tickets and released pending a future court date on the following charges:

1) NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) 1127(a) – Operating the wrong way on a one way street

2) NYS VTL 1128(a) – Moving from lane unsafely

3) NYS VTL 1192(3) – Misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated

4) NYS VTL 1192(2) – Misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. of .10% or Higher

5) NYS VTL 1192(2aa)- Misdemeanor Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. of .18% or Higher

Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1555348439953965&set=a.265416258947196