Cal Harris arrested for DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and other charges

On Dec. 15, 2017, at about 7:59 p.m., New York State Police from Homer arrested 56-year-old Calvin L. Harris, of Owego, N.Y. for the misdemeanor of Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .13 percent, the violation of Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident and other traffic violations.  

According to a police report received from Troop C of the State Police, this arrest occurred after troopers responded to investigate a hit and run property damage accident that occurred on Interstate 81 southbound in the town of Preble.  

The police report further explained that a Cortland County 911 caller reported that a GMC Sierra pick-up truck had side swiped their vehicle while both vehicles were traveling south on Interstate 81. Staying in contact with Cortland County 911, the caller reported that the GMC Sierra had continued southbound and had since exited I-81 at Exit 12.

Troopers were then able to locate the vehicle and perform a traffic stop on Hillside Drive in the town of Cortlandville. Upon approach, troopers identified the driver as Calvin Harris and further investigation determined that he was driving while intoxicated.  

Harris, who now resides in Owego, was found not guilty of murder on May 24, 2016 in Schoharie County.

Harris also filed a civil suit on Aug. 22 of this year against members of Troop C of the State Police, as well as other county officials.

In an interview with Harris in September regarding his civil suit, he stated that the first hearing would take place in Binghamton, where oral arguments will be heard. After that, the judge will decide whether the complaint will move forward or not.

Harris, in his suit, claims that he was unjustly targeted by investigators and police, and then put through 15 years of trials, which included three years in state prison.

For this latest arrest, Harris was issued tickets returnable to the town of Preble Court on Jan. 9, 2018.