(WNY News Now) – A 43-year-old Pennsylvania man was charged with driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop in Bemus Point early Sunday.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on Bemus Point-Ellery Road in the Village of Bemus Point at about 12:55 a.m. on Aug. 16, 2026.

The operator was identified as Joseph K. Kirkpatrick, 43, of Bradford Woods, Pennsylvania.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation determined that Kirkpatrick was allegedly driving while intoxicated.

Kirkpatrick was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, speed in zone and unlicensed operation.

He is scheduled to answer the charges in Ellery Town Court.

The charges are allegations, and Kirkpatrick is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.