A Pennsylvania man faces several charges after Cayuga County deputies investigated a disturbance in Cato and a related traffic stop in Conquest, Sheriff Brian Schenck said.
James J. Cowher, 47, of Coburn, Pennsylvania, was arrested July 6 and charged with driving while ability impaired, third-degree menacing and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Deputies were dispatched around 11:43 p.m. July 5 to a reported disturbance at a residence in the Town of Cato. The sheriff's office said the suspect had left the scene before deputies arrived and was reportedly driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle.
While responding to the call, deputies saw Cowher's vehicle in the Town of Conquest and conducted a traffic stop. Deputies then began a DWI investigation.
The sheriff's office said deputies confirmed a child under 17 was in the vehicle. Cowher was taken into custody at the traffic stop for DWI and endangering the welfare of a child.
Cowher was taken to the public safety building for arrest processing, while another deputy stayed with the child and arranged for family members to pick the child up.
Deputies said Cowher submitted to a chemical test that showed a blood alcohol content of 0.07%. Because of that result, he was charged with driving while ability impaired and endangering the welfare of a child.
The sheriff's office said the investigation into the original disturbance found Cowher threatened a female victim with physical harm during an argument while a child under 17 was present. He was also charged with third-degree menacing and a second count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office at 315-253-1222 or submit a tip through the county's website or SaferWatch app.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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