Sterling Police Continue Targeted Traffic Enforcement, Issue Multiple Citations

Sterling Police Department reported that officers handed out multiple traffic citations following stops on the First Avenue Bridge and on Locust Street, part of a targeted enforcement effort aimed at road safety in the village. The Feb. 20 blotter lists offenses ranging from expired registration to criminal trespass and says the activity targeted specific problem locations in Sterling.

The department’s published list of charges includes expired registration, speeding, operating with suspended registration, driving without insurance, and criminal trespass. “It’s important to note that all individuals cited during these incidents are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” the blotter copy states verbatim.

RegionalMediaNews reproduced the Sterling Police summary and reported that the department framed the activity as an ongoing effort to ensure road safety. “Investigations into these violations are ongoing,” the report quotes, and it adds that “Police say additional patrols may be scheduled in the coming weeks,” signaling continued enforcement on First Avenue Bridge, Locust Street and other local corridors.

An Instagram post linked to Sterling-area policing activity recorded a separate early-morning contact on Feb. 3. The post states that “On February 3, 2026, at approximately 3:00 AM, Sterling Police officers contacted a male they knew had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.” The Instagram excerpt provides no name, location within Sterling, or follow-up about custody or charges.

A related but separate enforcement incident in Sterling town was handled by a Cayuga County deputy on Feb. 22. FingerLakes1 reports a deputy observed a red Dodge Ram 1500 traveling 62 mph in a posted 40 mph zone on State Route 104 near Fintches Corners Road, and the traffic stop moved into the Pit Stop Convenience Store parking lot. Deputies say the driver, later identified as Richard J. Graff Jr., 44, of Rochester, refused to provide identification and registration, argued, walked away when asked to step outside and pulled away when a deputy attempted control. After a brief struggle deputies secured him in custody, transported him to the Public Safety Building for processing and issued appearance tickets for Sterling Town Court on March 11 at 6 p.m.

FingerLakes1 lists charges against Graff including resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, speeding, operating without an inspection certificate and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. The article also provides a contact for tips: the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office at 315-253-1222 or submissions via the department’s online tip portal or the SaferWatch app.

A separate KNOE item cited a forceful enforcement posture in Sterlington, Louisiana, where officials warned they would cite non-4x4 drivers blocking traffic; that story and the quote “It has gotten past the point of ridiculous. We have told everyone countless times to stay home unless you have a 4x4 and it isn’t doing any good” are from a different jurisdiction and do not apply to Sterling, New York.

Sterling Police’s Feb. 20 blotter and the county deputy’s Feb. 22 arrest together indicate stepped-up traffic scrutiny on local bridges, main streets and state routes. Investigations remain open and the town’s court schedule will address at least one case March 11.