STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE #: 26B4008295
RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Zach Shaughnessy
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101
DATE/TIME: November 3, 2026, at approximately 0135 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Godnick’s Grand Furniture, Rutland
VIOLATION: Driving Under the Influence
ACCUSED: Robert Lavene
AGE: 67
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, Vermont
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On November 3, 2026, at approximately 0135 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks, were on routine patrol when they witnessed a vehicle crash through the glass exterior walls of Godnick’s Grand Furniture store in the City of Rutland. As Troopers were pulling into the parking lot, the vehicle reversed and then crashed again into a stone landscaping wall and business sign. The operator was identified as Robert Lavene, 67, of Rutland. Lavene declined to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was subsequently taken into custody for driving under the influence. Lavene was transported to the Rutland Barracks for processing. Lavene was issued a criminal citation to appear at Vermont Superior Court – Rutland Criminal Division on November 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Yes
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Criminal Division
COURT DATE/TIME: November 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM
*Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm the arraignment time.
