STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A1005229
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Blaz Mihaljevic
STATION: Williston Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 878-7111
DATE/TIME: July 12th, 2026 at approximately 12:16 hours
STREET: VT Route 117
TOWN: Jericho
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Skunk Hollow Road
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR / ACCUSED: James Kilpeck
AGE: 43
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Jericho, VT
VIOLATION:
- DUI #2
VEHICLE YEAR: 2020
VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru
VEHICLE MODEL: Crosstrek
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Lindsay Huff
AGE: 45
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Essex Town, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2019
VEHICLE MAKE: Mazda
VEHICLE MODEL: CX-9
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Heavy Front End Damage
INJURIES: None Reported
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #3
OPERATOR: Juvena Hitt
AGE: 53
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Jericho, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2019
VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru
VEHICLE MODEL: Forester
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Heavy Front End Damage
INJURIES: None Reported
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On July 12, 2026, at approximately 1216 hours, the Vermont State Police responded to a three-vehicle motor vehicle crash on Route 117 at the intersection of Skunk Hollow Road in the town of Jericho.
The preliminary investigation determined that Operator #1, James Kilpeck (43) , was traveling eastbound on Route 117 and attempted to make a left turn onto Skunk Hollow Road without yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. As a result, Operator #2 collided with Operator #1's vehicle, causing it to overturn and subsequently strike Operator #3, who was traveling down Skunk Hollow Road toward the intersection.
None of the parties involved sustained injuries as a result of the crash.
The investigation determined that impairment by Operator #1 was a contributing factor in the crash. Kilpeck was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was later issued a citation to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court on August 4, 2026, at 8:30 hours to answer to the charge of DUI #2.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
COURT ACTION: YES
COURT: Chittenden
COURT DATE/TIME: August 04, 2026 at 0830 hours
*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 Blaz Mihaljevic
Vermont State Police
3294 St. George Road
Williston, VT 05495
blaz.mihaljevic@vermont.gov
