The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police barracks or the public information officer. Please note news releases are available on this blog for at least 30 days following their public release. Releases are generally archived the second month after publication. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older.

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April 6, 2025

Re: New Haven Barracks/ MV Crash/ Ignition Interlock Violation


From: Hauter, Sean
Sent: Sunday, April 6, 2025 3:37 PM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>
Subject: New Haven Barracks/ MV Crash/ Ignition Interlock Violation
 
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
 
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
 
CASE#: 25B5001529
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Sean Hauter
STATION: New Haven
CONTACT#: (802) 388-4919
 
DATE/TIME: 4/6/25, 1230 hours
STREET: US-7
TOWN: Ferrisburgh
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Dakin Rd
WEATHER: Cloudy
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
 
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR/ACCUSED: Shawn Sartelle
AGE: 38
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Waterbury, VT
VIOLATION: Ignition interlock restricted driver's license
 
VEHICLE YEAR: 2015
VEHICLE MAKE: BMW
VEHICLE MODEL: 328
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front-end and undercarriage contact damage
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
 
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
 
On 4/6/25 at approximately 1230 hours, Troopers responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on US Route 7 south of Dakin Road in the Town of Ferrisburgh. Investigation revealed V#1 was traveling north when it left the northbound lane and struck a culvert. The operator was identified as Shawn Sartelle (38) of Waterbury, VT. V#1 was not equipped with an ignition interlock device as required by Sartelle's driver's license. OP#1 was placed under arrest and transported to the New Haven Barracks for processing. At the conclusion of processing, Sartelle was released with a citation to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date.
 
Troopers were assisted by the Vergennes Police Department.
 
VCVC(s): 23 VSA 1038, "Driving on roadways laned for traffic" ($220, 2 points)
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: 5/12/25, 1230 hours
COURT: Addison
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
 
*Please note court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of the court. Please call the criminal court clerk confirm arraignment time.
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New Haven Barracks/ MV Crash/ Ignition Interlock Violation

STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
 
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
 
CASE#: 25B5001529
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Sean Hauter
STATION: New Haven
CONTACT#: (802) 388-4919
 
DATE/TIME: 4/6/25, 1230 hours
STREET: US-7
TOWN: Ferrisburgh
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Dakin Rd
WEATHER: Cloudy
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
 
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR/ACCUSED: Shawn Sartelle
AGE: 38
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Waterbury, VT
VIOLATION: Ignition interlock restricted driver's license
 
VEHICLE YEAR: 2015
VEHICLE MAKE: BMW
VEHICLE MODEL: 328
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front-end and undercarriage contact damage
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
 
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
 
On 4/6/25 at approximately 1230 hours, Troopers responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on US Route 7 south of Dakin Road in the Town of Ferrisburgh. Investigation revealed V#1 was traveling north when it left the northbound lane and struck a culvert. The operator was identified as Shawn Sartelle (38) of Waterbury, VT. V#1 was not equipped with an ignition interlock device as required by Sartelle's driver's license. OP#1 was placed under arrest and transported to the New Haven Barracks for processing. At the conclusion of processing, Sartelle was released with a citation to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date.
 
Troopers were assisted by the Vergennes Police Department.
 
VCVC(s): 23 VSA 1038, "Driving on roadways laned for traffic" ($220, 2 points)
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: 5/12/25, 1230 hours
COURT: Addison
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
 
*Please note court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of the court. Please call the criminal court clerk confirm arraignment time.
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Shaftsbury Barracks / Motor Vehicle Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE #: 25B3001391                               

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley

STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks              

CONTACT#: 802-442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: 04/05/2025 at 1429 hours.

STREET: US Route 7

TOWN: Shaftsbury

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: 16.4

WEATHER:        Rain

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Aaron Jamal Sexton-Abdullah

AGE: 23

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Troutman, NC

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2023

VEHICLE MAKE: Hyundai

VEHICLE MODEL: Santa Fe

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: None

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On the above date and time, Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one car motor vehicle crash in the area of mile marker 16.4 on US Route 7 in the Town of Shaftsbury.

 

Investigation revealed that vehicle #1 operated by Aaron Jamal Sexton-Abdullah had lost control on the rain covered roadway and went off the side of the roadway before colliding with a group of trees. Sexton-Abdullah was not injured as a result of the crash.

 

Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by the Shaftsbury Fire Department, Bennington Rescue Squad, and Walt's Towing and Service.

 

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: N/A

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 Colin Shepley

Vermont State Police Shaftsbury

96 Airport Road Shaftsbury, VT 05262

802-442-5421

 

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Williston Barracks / Multiple Charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

            

CASE#: 25A1002329

TROOPER:  Trooper Brandon Sweet                                      

STATION: Williston Barracks                   

CONTACT#: (802)878-7111

 

DATE/TIME: April 05, 2025 at approximately 2357 hours

LOCATION: VT Route 2A / Hurricane Lane, Williston

 

ACCUSED: Ryan Lamothe                                             

AGE: 45

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bristol, Vermont

VIOLATION:

  • DUI – Criminal Refusal
  • Operating with a Criminally Suspended License
  • Arrest on Instate Warrant

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On April 05, 2025 at approximately 2357 hours, a Trooper conducted a motor vehicle stop for a moving violation in the area of VT Route 2A and Hurricane Lane in the town of Williston.  The operator was identified as Ryan Lamothe (45) of Bristol.  While speaking with Lamothe, Troopers detected several indicators of impairment.  Further investigation revealed Lamothe was operating the vehicle with a Criminally Suspended License (DLS) and had an Active Instate Warrant in Addison County for failure to appear on a previous Operation with a Criminally Suspended License charge.  Lamothe was subsequently arrested for the suspicion of DUI, DLS, and the active warrant and transported to the Williston Barracks for processing.

 

At the conclusion of processing, Lamothe was released with a citation to appear at the Chittenden County Superior Court on April 24, 2025 at 1230 hours to answer to the charge of DUI – Criminal Refusal and Operating with a Criminally Suspended License.  Per the order of the court, Lamothe was issued the Cite and Release Warrant to appear on April 07, 2025 at 1230 hours in Addison County.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: April 07, 2025 1230 hours Addison (Warrant) / April 24, 2025 0830 hours (DUI and DLS)       

COURT: Chittenden

LODGED – LOCATION: N/A  

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: INCLUDED

 

 

Trooper Brandon Sweet

Vermont State Police - Williston

3294 St. George Road

Williston, VT 05495

(802) 878-7111

 

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Derby Barracks / LSA - Serious Injury

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 25A5001751                                

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Anthony Rice

STATION: Derby                                         

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 04/05/2025   /   2116 hours

STREET: VT RT 5A

TOWN: Brownington

WEATHER: Raining       

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Unknown

 

PEDESTRIAN#1: Ricky Laprade

AGE: 64

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Derby, VT

INJURIES: Serious

HOSPITAL: North Country Hospital

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 04/05/2025, at approximately 2106 hours, local law enforcement received a number of complaints of a vehicle traveling on VT RT 5A in Brownington well below the posted speed limit and not maintaining its lane of travel. At approximately 2116 hours, a deputy with Orleans County Sheriff’s Department located the vehicle in question parked in the northbound lane of travel on RT 5A and observed a male, later identified to be the registered owner, Rickey Laprade, 64, of Derby, VT, lying in the southbound lane of travel.

 

Troopers arrived on scene and after subsequent investigation determined Laprade for unknown reasons parked his car in the northbound lane of travel, exited his vehicle, was in the southbound lane of travel and was struck by another vehicle believed to be traveling south on RT 5A. This second involved vehicle fled the scene and has not yet been located or identified. Additionally Laprade showed signs of impairment and due to the extent of his injuries, was transported to North Country Hospital where he was treated and processed for DUI.

 

Damaged vehicle parts located and collected on scene indicate the vehicle that struck Laprade and fled the scene is likely a 2015 – 2017, black in color, Subaru WRX or STI. The vehicle should have damage or missing parts to its front bumper on the passenger side and its passenger side front wheel well. The vehicle’s passenger side mirror should also be damaged.

 

Laprade is currently at North Country Hospital with serious injuries and is reported to be transported to University of Vermont Medical Center in the coming hours. Troopers were assisted on scene by Newport and Orleans EMS, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department & Greniers Towing.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tpr. Rice at Anthony.Rice@Vermont.gov, or call 802-334-8881, or leave an anonymous tip online at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

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St. Albans Barracks / Fugitive From Justice

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

             

CASE#: 25A2002349

TROOPER:  Adam Martin                           

STATION: St. Albans Barracks                   

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 04/05/2025 at approximately 2052 hours

LOCATION: Fairfax Rd St. Albans, VT

VIOLATION: Fugitive From Justice

 

ACCUSED: Rachel Hogan                                                                     

AGE: 40

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Morristown, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On April 5th, 2025, at approximately 2052 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – St. Albans Barracks were conducting patrol in the area of Fairfax Road in the town of St. Albans when a vehicle was observed committing a motor vehicle violation. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on Fairfax Road and identified the passenger of the motor vehicle as Rachel Hogan (40) of Morristown, VT.  

 

During the investigation, Hogan was found to have an active extraditable warrant out of the State of Florida for charges equivalent to that of Grand Larceny in the State of Vermont. Once this was communicated to the State of Florida, Hogan was taken into custody and transported to the St. Albans Barracks for processing. Hogan was then issued a flash citation ordering her to appear before the Franklin County Superior Court – Criminal Division on April 7th, 2025, at 1300 hours for the above charge.

 

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE: 04/07/2025 at 1300 hours             

COURT: Franklin County Superior Court

LODGED – LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Attached

 

 

Trooper Adam Martin (221)

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

(802)524-5993

Adam.martin@vermont.gov

 

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RE: VT 103 in Cavendish

VT Route 103 in Cavendish is now open again. Please drive safe Vermont.

 

From: Boston, Daniel via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Saturday, April 5, 2025 9:06 PM
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: VT 103 in Cavendish

 

EXTERNAL SENDER: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize and trust the sender.

State of Vermont  

Department of Public Safety  

Vermont State Police  

Westminster Barracks 

  

Press Release – Highway / Traffic Notification 

  

VT Route 103 is fully closed in the area of Cutoff Rd in Cavendish due to a motor vehicle accident. 

 

This incident is expected to last until further notice.  Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.    

 

Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes.   

  

Please drive carefully.  

 

at

April 5, 2025

Update No. 3: VSP BCI Troop B West – Rutland / Stabbing, suspect charged

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 25B4002345

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME:  Detective Sgt. Jesse Robson

STATION: Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Troop B West – Rutland

CONTACT#: 802-773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025

INCIDENT LOCATION: Café Provence, 11 Center St., Brandon, VT

INCIDENT TYPE: Stabbing

 

VICTIM: Robert Barral

AGE: 71

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brandon, VT

 

ACCUSED: Jozef I. Eller

AGE: 32

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hancock, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

Saturday night, Jozef I. Eller was ordered jailed without bail on charges of attempted second-degree murder and violating a no-trespassing order. He is due to appear for arraignment at 12:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Rutland.

 

Stabbing victim Robert Barral was transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, where his condition was reported to be stable late Saturday.

 

No additional details are currently available. The affidavit of probable cause will be filed with the court and made public following Eller's arraignment.

 

 

***Update No. 2, 10:20 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025***

Members of the Vermont State Police located suspect Jozef I. Eller in Rochester at about 10:10 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, and arrested him without further incident.

 

VSP is working with the Rutland County State's Attorney's Office and will provide an update when charges have been filed. The state police thanks members of the public for their assistance with this investigation.

 

 

***Update No. 1, 10:05 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025***

The Vermont State Police is releasing several additional photographs of stabbing suspect Jozef Eller. Two of the attached images show him as he was leaving Café Provence following the attack at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025. The third is a photograph from August 2024.

 

In the current photographs, Eller has long, unkempt hair and a scruffy beard. He is wearing light khaki-colored pants and a green jacket.

 

Eller has ties to the areas of Burlington and Granville, Vermont, but his current whereabouts remain unknown.

 

Police continue to encourage anyone with information to call VSP in Rutland at 802-773-9101 or leave an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

 

***Initial news release, 8:50 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025***

The Vermont State Police is investigating a stabbing that occurred Saturday afternoon, April 5, 2025, at a restaurant in the town of Brandon. VSP is warning the public to be on the lookout for the suspect.

 

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. at Café Provence when a former employee, identified as Jozef I. Eller, 32, of Hancock entered the restaurant and attacked the chef and owner, Robert Barral, 71, of Brandon. Following the assault, Eller fled the scene driving north on U.S. Route 7 in his white 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Vermont license plate 473A799. His whereabouts are unknown.

 

Eller should be considered extremely dangerous, and members of the public should not approach and instead call 911 immediately if they see him. Eller is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Several photographs of Eller are attached to this release, including his driver's license image and several more recent images that more closely resemble his current appearance. A photograph of his Ford truck also is attached.

 

Chef Barral was brought by ambulance to Rutland Regional Medical Center, where he was receiving treatment Saturday night. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, but the extent is currently unknown.

 

Anyone with information that could assist the state police on this matter or who has information about Eller's location should call the VSP barracks in Rutland at 802-773-9101. Anonymous tips also can be submitted online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

No further information is available at this time. The state police will provide updates as the investigation continues.

 

- 30 -

 

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Re: Traffic Alert - Rt 5A in Brownington

Update: The Roadway is now open. Thank you to all.



Jared Phillips

Emergency Communications Dispatcher I

Vermont State Police Williston PSAP

3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495

Phone: 802-878-7111

PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173

From: Phillips, Jared W
Sent: Saturday, April 5, 2025 9:29 PM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>; DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>; AOT - TMC <AOT.TMC@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - Rt 5A in Brownington
 

State of Vermont

Department of Public Safety

Vermont State Police

Derby Barracks

 

Press Release – Highway / Traffic Notification


 RT 5A in the area of Schoolhouse Rd in Brownington is shut down due to a vehicle accident.

 

This incident is expected to last until further notice. Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.  

 

Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.



Jared Phillips

Emergency Communications Dispatcher I

Vermont State Police Williston PSAP

3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495

Phone: 802-878-7111

PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173

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Rutland Barracks / DUI Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 25B4002347

TROOPER: Trooper Jakubowski

STATION: Rutland               

CONTACT#: 802-773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: 04/05/2025 at approximately 1904 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Bear Mountain Road, Killington, VT

VIOLATION: DUI

 

ACCUSED: Joseph Giannetti

AGE: 58

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Springfield, MA

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 5, 2025, at approximately 1904 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks responded to a single car motor vehicle crash on Bear Mountain Road in Killington, VT. While speaking with the operator, Joseph Giannetti, Troopers detected signs of impairment. Giannetti refused Standardized Field Sobriety Tests roadside and was subsequently taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence. Giannetti was transported to the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks for processing and released on a citation to appear in Rutland County Superior Court, Criminal Division to answer for the charge of DUI at a later time and date.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: April 21, 2025 at 1000 hours

COURT: Rutland County Superior Court, Criminal Division

MUG SHOT: Y

*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.

 

at

Update No. 2: VSP BCI Troop B West – Rutland / Stabbing, suspect captured

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 25B4002345

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME:  Detective Sgt. Jesse Robson

STATION: Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Troop B West – Rutland

CONTACT#: 802-773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025

INCIDENT LOCATION: Café Provence, Brandon, VT

INCIDENT TYPE: Stabbing

 

VICTIM: Robert Barral

AGE: 71

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brandon, VT

 

ACCUSED: Jozef I. Eller

AGE: 32

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hancock, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

Members of the Vermont State Police located suspect Jozef I. Eller in Rochester at about 10:10 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, and arrested him without further incident.

 

VSP is working with the Rutland County State's Attorney's Office and will provide an update when charges have been filed. The state police thanks members of the public for their assistance with this investigation.

 

 

***Update No. 1, 10:05 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025***

The Vermont State Police is releasing several additional photographs of stabbing suspect Jozef Eller. Two of the attached images show him as he was leaving Café Provence following the attack at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025. The third is a photograph from August 2024.

 

In the current photographs, Eller has long, unkempt hair and a scruffy beard. He is wearing light khaki-colored pants and a green jacket.

 

Eller has ties to the areas of Burlington and Granville, Vermont, but his current whereabouts remain unknown.

 

Police continue to encourage anyone with information to call VSP in Rutland at 802-773-9101 or leave an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

 

***Initial news release, 8:50 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025***

The Vermont State Police is investigating a stabbing that occurred Saturday afternoon, April 5, 2025, at a restaurant in the town of Brandon. VSP is warning the public to be on the lookout for the suspect.

 

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. at Café Provence when a former employee, identified as Jozef I. Eller, 32, of Hancock entered the restaurant and attacked the chef and owner, Robert Barral, 71, of Brandon. Following the assault, Eller fled the scene driving north on U.S. Route 7 in his white 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Vermont license plate 473A799. His whereabouts are unknown.

 

Eller should be considered extremely dangerous, and members of the public should not approach and instead call 911 immediately if they see him. Eller is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Several photographs of Eller are attached to this release, including his driver's license image and several more recent images that more closely resemble his current appearance. A photograph of his Ford truck also is attached.

 

Chef Barral was brought by ambulance to Rutland Regional Medical Center, where he was receiving treatment Saturday night. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, but the extent is currently unknown.

 

Anyone with information that could assist the state police on this matter or who has information about Eller's location should call the VSP barracks in Rutland at 802-773-9101. Anonymous tips also can be submitted online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

No further information is available at this time. The state police will provide updates as the investigation continues.

 

- 30 -

 

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Update No. 1: VSP BCI Troop B West – Rutland / Stabbing, suspect at large

 


 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 25B4002345

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME:  Detective Sgt. Jesse Robson

STATION: Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Troop B West – Rutland

CONTACT#: 802-773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025

INCIDENT LOCATION: Café Provence, Brandon, VT

INCIDENT TYPE: Stabbing

 

VICTIM: Robert Barral

AGE: 71

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brandon, VT

 

ACCUSED: Jozef I. Eller

AGE: 32

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hancock, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Vermont State Police is releasing several additional photographs of stabbing suspect Jozef Eller. Two of the attached images show him as he was leaving Café Provence following the attack at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025. The third is a photograph from August 2024.

 

In the current photographs, Eller has long, unkempt hair and a scruffy beard. He is wearing light khaki-colored pants and a green jacket.

 

Eller has ties to the areas of Burlington and Granville, Vermont, but his current whereabouts remain unknown.

 

Police continue to encourage anyone with information to call VSP in Rutland at 802-773-9101 or leave an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 






 

***Initial news release, 8:50 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025***

The Vermont State Police is investigating a stabbing that occurred Saturday afternoon, April 5, 2025, at a restaurant in the town of Brandon. VSP is warning the public to be on the lookout for the suspect.

 

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. at Café Provence when a former employee, identified as Jozef I. Eller, 32, of Hancock entered the restaurant and attacked the chef and owner, Robert Barral, 71, of Brandon. Following the assault, Eller fled the scene driving north on U.S. Route 7 in his white 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Vermont license plate 473A799. His whereabouts are unknown.

 

Eller should be considered extremely dangerous, and members of the public should not approach and instead call 911 immediately if they see him. Eller is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Several photographs of Eller are attached to this release, including his driver’s license image and several more recent images that more closely resemble his current appearance. A photograph of his Ford truck also is attached.

 

Chef Barral was brought by ambulance to Rutland Regional Medical Center, where he was receiving treatment Saturday night. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, but the extent is currently unknown.

 

Anyone with information that could assist the state police on this matter or who has information about Eller’s location should call the VSP barracks in Rutland at 802-773-9101. Anonymous tips also can be submitted online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

No further information is available at this time. The state police will provide updates as the investigation continues.

 

- 30 -

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Shaftsbury Barracks / MV Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 25B3001335                                           

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Arel

STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks                                      

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: 04/02/2025 / 1441 hours

STREET: Vermont Route 346

TOWN: Pownal

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Wanabea Farm

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Cole Seaman

AGE: 25    

SEAT BELT: No

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Lanesboro, MA

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2015

VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet

VEHICLE MODEL: Silverado

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Non-life-threatening

HOSPITAL: Albany Medical Center

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On 04/02/2025 at approximately 1441 hours Vermont State Police at the Shaftsbury Barracks responded to a one car motor vehicle crash on Vermont Route 346. Through investigation, it was determined that operator #1 lost control of his motor vehicle after suffering from a medical event. The operator then drove off the road and collided with a tree, totaling the motor vehicle from the impact.

 

Bennington County Sheriff's Department, Pownal Rescue Squad, and Pownal Fire Department assisted Troopers on scene.

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Trooper Michael Arel

Vermont State Police

“B” Troop – Shaftsbury

96 Airport Road

Shaftsbury, VT 05262

(802) 442-5421

 

 

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Traffic Alert - Rt 5A in Brownington

State of Vermont

Department of Public Safety

Vermont State Police

Derby Barracks

 

Press Release – Highway / Traffic Notification


 RT 5A in the area of Schoolhouse Rd in Brownington is shut down due to a vehicle accident.

 

This incident is expected to last until further notice. Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.  

 

Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.



Jared Phillips

Emergency Communications Dispatcher I

Vermont State Police Williston PSAP

3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495

Phone: 802-878-7111

PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173

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