Oriskany Falls Man Arrested After Fleeing Traffic Stop; Meth Discovered

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ORISKANY FALLS, NY — A routine traffic stop turned into a brief foot pursuit on Wednesday afternoon, June 12, 2025, after a man fled from a deputy in the Village of Oriskany Falls.

At approximately 3:44 p.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Waterville Field Office initiated a traffic stop on a Honda 4-wheeler on South Main Street. The operator, identified as Kenneth M. Thurston of Oriskany Falls, took off on foot. Following a short pursuit, the deputy deployed a Taser to successfully apprehend Thurston.

The Sheriff's Office reports that Thurston actively resisted arrest and engaged in a physical struggle with the deputy. A Good Samaritan stopped to assist in taking Thurston into custody.

A search conducted following the arrest revealed Thurston was in possession of 13.82 grams of methamphetamine.

Thurston was transported to the Kurt Wyman Law Enforcement Building and charged with:

• Obstruction of Governmental Administration

• Resisting Arrest

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree

• Multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations

Thurston was later taken to CAP Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in Town of Augusta Court at a later date.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police, Oriskany Falls Fire Department, and Main St. Auto Care.