STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 25B1008059
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Marie Beland
STATION: Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: (802)722-4600
DATE/TIME: 10/13/2025 at approximately 0914 hours
STREET: VT-121/Saxtons River Rd
TOWN: Rockingham
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: House # 728
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Cloudy
ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Mikaela A. Mellish
AGE: 26
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Chester, Vermont
PASSENGER #1
NAME: JUVENILE
AGE: 3
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Chester, Vermont
PASSENGER #2
NAME: JUVENILE
AGE: 2
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Chester, Vermont
VEHICLE YEAR: 2023
VEHICLE MAKE: GMC
VEHICLE MODEL: Sierra
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Moderate front end
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Nathan C. Bennett
AGE: 43
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Grafton, Vermont
VEHICLE YEAR: 2017
VEHICLE MAKE: Honda
VEHICLE MODEL: Pilot
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Moderate rear end
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 10/13/2025, at approximately 0914 hours, the Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on VT-121 (Saxtons River Rd) near house #728 in the Town of Rockingham, (Windham County), Vermont. Investigation revealed that a vehicle was stopped in the eastbound travel lane near a gradual right-hand curve just beyond house #728, with the operator out of the vehicle attending to unrestrained dogs in the roadway. A second vehicle, traveling eastbound, came upon the first vehicle and stopped abruptly. A third vehicle traveling eastbound also braked suddenly to avoid contact, this vehicle was operated by Nathan C. Bennett, 43 of Grafton, Vermont. A fourth vehicle, operated by Mikaela A. Mellish, had been following behind the third vehicle but was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of the third vehicle. No injuries were reported at the scene. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage but were able to be operated away from the scene. This crash remains under investigation.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint ______________ T23 VSA _______
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
COURT ACTION: N/A
COURT: N/A
COURT DATE/TIME: N/A
*Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of
the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time.
Trooper Marie Beland
Vermont State Police
Westminster Barracks
1330 Westminster Heights Rd
Putney, Vermont 05346
Tel: (802)722-4600 x3
Email: marie.beland@vermont.gov
