Thruway traffic stop in Onondaga County leads to arrest for weapons and drug possession

On February 26, 2026, troopers with State Police Troop T arrested Scott H. Teerlinck, age 50, of Canandaigua, for several weapons charges and drug possession.

At approximately 9:29 p.m. on February 26, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F-150 operated by Teerlinck for a vehicle and traffic law violation on the Thruway in the town of DeWitt. While interviewing Teerlinck, the trooper observed a clear plastic baggie containing a white powder-like substance visible in the center console, which Teerlinck stated was cocaine, and in fact later field-tested positive for cocaine. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the trooper also located a loaded 9mm “ghost gun” pistol in the back pocket of the driver’s seat, and several loaded 9mm magazines. Troopers also found brass knuckles in the door compartment.

Teerlinck was arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree for the loaded firearm, criminal possession of a weapon 4th degree for the brass knuckles, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th degree for approximately 3 grams of cocaine. Teerlinck was also issued a vehicle and traffic law citation.

Troop D Bureau of Criminal Investigation adopted the case. Teerlinck was processed and transported to the Onondaga Justice Center for central arraignment, where he remains in custody. He is due in DeWitt Town Court on March 11.