Numerous traffic citations were issued during Operation Hard Hat in Cortland County, including an incident of a vehicle pursuit. As part of Operation Hard Hat, NY State Troopers are embedded within active work zones, often dressed as highway workers, to observe motorists committing violations. (Photo from the NYSP)

CORTLAND COUNTY - A New York State Police work-zone enforcement detail on Interstate 81 led to one arrest and 60 citations Tuesday, reported the New York State Police.

Numerous traffic citations were issued during Operation Hard Hat in Cortland County, including an incident of a vehicle pursuit.

The New York State Police Troop C Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Unit along with Troopers assigned to SP Homer conducted an Operation Hard Hat enforcement detail in Cortland County on June 9, 2026.

The detail took place on Interstate 81 northbound, approximately three miles north of Exit 54 (Homer), where highway crews were making pavement and pothole repairs.

During the enforcement, Troopers issued a total of 60 citations and made one arrest.

Arrest: Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd degree, a misdemeanor.

Traffic Citations Issued:

Speeding – 25.

Seatbelt Compliance – 10.

Operating an Electronic Device – 10.

Failure to Move Over - 1.

Other – 14 (13 violations and one misdemeanor for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 3rd degree).

At approximately 12:48 p.m., Troopers said they attempted to stop a 2016 Audi operated by Rashi L. Brown, 49 of Alsip, Illinois after observing the vehicle traveling 80 mph through the active work zone.

Brown failed to comply and continued northbound while accelerating, said police. He subsequently entered a U-turn in the town of Preble and began traveling southbound on Interstate 81 toward the town of Homer.

Brown exited the interstate at Exit 54 in Homer and continued to travel through the town of Cortlandville and the city of Cortland before entering a parking lot across from Guthrie Cortland Medical Center near the intersection of Homer Avenue and Alvena Avenue in the city of Cortland where he was taken into custody without further incident said police.

Brown was processed and issued appearance tickets for Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle (misdemeanor) and ten traffic citations (violations).

Operation Hard Hat is designed to reduce dangerous driving behaviors in highway work zones, enhance the safety of highway workers, and improve compliance with traffic laws in active construction zones Throughout New York State.

The work zone involved in the detail was clearly marked with signs warning motorists of an upcoming work zone, advising that fines are doubled in the work zones, reducing the speed limit to 55 mph, and notifying drivers of a right-lane closure. A flashing directional arrow board was also utilized just outside the zone to remind drivers to merge left.

As part of Operation Hard Hat, NY State Troopers are embedded within active work zones, often dressed as highway workers, to observe motorists committing violations.

Once a violation is observed, uniformed Troopers in the area are advised and issue the appropriate citations.

Work zones safety is everyone's responsibility. Slow down, stay alert, put down distractions, and move over when required. The lives of highway workers depend on it.

- Information from the NYSP