STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A4010158
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Matthew Salazar
STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-748-3111
DATE/TIME: 10/02/2026 @ 1856 hours
TOWN: Thetford
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: I 91 S, mile marker 83
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Walter Pretty III
AGE: 55
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Homeless
VIOLATION: DUI #2 & Grossly Negligent Operation
VEHICLE YEAR: 2007
VEHICLE MAKE: Ford
VEHICLE MODEL: Ranger
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor
INJURIES: N/A
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Albert Augustine
AGE: 29
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Smyrna, Georgia
VEHICLE YEAR: 2026
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: 4- Runner
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Major
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On October 2, 2026, at approximately 1856 hours Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were notified of a two-car crash on I91 S near mile marker 83 in the town of Thetford, VT. The operator of vehicle one was identified as Walter Pretty (55). Pretty advised he was attempting to make an illegal U-turn on the interstate and struck a vehicle while in the process. While speaking with Pretty, Troopers detected signs of impairment. Pretty was arrested for suspicion of DUI and transported to the Bradford Outpost for processing. Pretty was later issued a citation to appear in Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division and released.
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: 10/21/2026 @ 0830
COURT: Orange
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
Trooper Matthew Salazar
Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury
1068 US Rt 5 #1
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
(802)-748-3111
