STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B3005485
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Prandini
STATION: Shaftsbury
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: October 10, 2026, approx. 2221 hours
STREET: Ladd Road
TOWN: Pownal, VT
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: US Route 7
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Jeffrey D. Pierce
AGE: 63
SEAT BELT? No
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pownal, VT
VIOLATIONS: DUI; Leaving the scene of an accident; Negligent operation
VEHICLE YEAR: 2006
VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet
VEHICLE MODEL: Silverado
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front-end damage
INJURIES: Minor injuries
HOSPITAL: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
SUMMARY OF CRASH: At the above date and time, Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Ladd Road in Pownal, VT. Through investigation, it was determined that Vehicle #1 (Pierce) travelled off the road, striking the guardrail and trees. Pierce was transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for suspected minor injuries. Pierce was issued a citation for operating under the influence of alcohol, as well as for leaving the scene of a crash and for negligent operation, with both stemming from a separate incident reported to Vermont State Police earlier in the evening of October 10, 2026. Pierce was ordered to appear at Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division on December 21, 2026, at 0830 hours.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending
LODGED - LOCATION: No
BAIL: No
MUG SHOT: No
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division
COURT DATE/TIME: December 21, 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.
