Berlin Barracks / Excessive Speed

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A3007125

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Maldonado                           

STATION: Berlin        

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 08/24/2026 @ 2147 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Interstate 89 North, MM 50.8, Berlin, VT

VIOLATION: Excessive Speed

 

ACCUSED: Jacqueline Rodriguez Ramos                         

AGE: 44

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Providence, RI

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 08/24/2026, at approximately 2147 hours, Troopers with Vermont State Police were monitoring traffic on Interstate 89 near Mile Marker 49.8 in the Town of Berlin. Troopers observed a vehicle traveling in excess of the speed limit, with Radar confirming the vehicle’s speed at 99 mph. The vehicle was stopped and the operator was identified as Jacqueline Rodriguez (44) of Providence, RI. Rodriguez was issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Washington Criminal Division on 09/10/2026 at 0830 hours to answer to the charge of excessive speed. Additionally, Rodriguez was issued a Vermont Civil Violation Complaint carrying a waiver amount of $517 and 2 points.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/10/2026 at 0830 hours            

COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Washington Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: No     

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N/A

RE: St. Johnsbury Barracks / Request for Information

 

 

From: LeBlanc, James via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2026 9:02 PM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>
Subject: St. Johnsbury Barracks / Request for Information

 

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

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE #: 26A4008823 & 26A4008830

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper LeBlanc and Trooper Salazar

STATION: St. Johnsbury

CONTACT#: (802) 748-3111 #3

 

DATE/TIME: 8/23, 2026, at approximately 0300-0430 hours.

INCIDENT LOCATION: 1193 Portland Street and 220 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, Vermont

VIOLATIONS: Aggravated Operation without Owners Consent x2, Grand Larceny, Unlawful trespass into a Motor Vehicle x14

 

ACCUSED: Unknown

 

VICTIMS: Wes Ward Auto and St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership

CITY, STATE: St. Johnsbury, Vermont

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On August 24, 2026, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury Barracks, were notified of two stolen vehicles and unlawful trespass into other motor vehicles at both Wes Ward Auto and the St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership. Investigation revealed the same individual stole both motor vehicles and entered into numerous others unlawfully. One of the stolen vehicles is a silver 2008 Honda Civic (see attached). The other stolen vehicle is a black 2005 Lexus ES (attached image is for likeness). The black Lexus had been involved in a crash prior to being stolen and will have damage to the plastics.

 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Trooper LeBlanc or Trooper Salazar of the Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111 or James.LeBlanc@vermont.gov.

 

Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the Vermont State Police Tip Submission Page online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit. or by texting the keyword “VTIPS” to 274637 (CRIMES).

 

 

 

 

Saint Albans / Cocaine Possession / VCOR

CASE#: 26A2005377

TROOPER: Benjamin Weed

STATION: Saint Albans              

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 08/16/2026 at approximately 1900 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: I-89 N / Highgate POE

 

ACCUSED#1: Hailey Tullis

AGE: 21

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport, VT

CHARGES: Cocaine Possession / VCOR

 

ACCUSED#2: Ryan Skalak

AGE: 28

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport, VT

CHARGES: DUI - Drugs

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On 08/16/2026, at approximately 1906 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Saint Albans Barracks were alerted by Highgate CBP Agents of a vehicle that was denied entry into Canada with it’s occupants under suspicion of drug use. Investigation revealed that 28 year old Ryan Skalak, was operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs, and 21 year old Hailey Tullis (a passenger) was in possession of cocaine and in violation of her court appointed conditions. Both persons were arrested – Tullis was lodged on $5,000 bail, and Skalak was issued a citation to appear before the Franklin County Superior Court – Criminal Division on September 29^th 2026 at 0800 hours. 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 08/18/2026 at 1230 hours; 09/29/2026, 0800 hours.

COURT: Franklin County Court, Criminal Division

MUG SHOT: 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 the arraignment time.

 

Update No. 1: Derby Barracks / Shooting investigation

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 26A5004831

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Detective Trooper Kyle Fecher

STATION: VSP Derby

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: About 2:05 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Under investigation

INCIDENT TYPE: Shooting with injury

 

VICTIM: Burton S. Jacobs Jr.

AGE: 59

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Derby, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Vermont State Police is identifying the victim of this incident as 59-year-old Burton S. Jacobs Jr. of Derby. He remains hospitalized at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, where his condition is considered stable.

 

VSP’s investigation into the shooting remains active. Detectives continue to ask that anyone with information that could assist in the case call the Derby Barracks 802-334-8881, or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

 

***Initial news release, 10:10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026***

The Vermont State Police is investigating and asking for the public’s assistance after a man was shot and injured early Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.

 

The investigation began at about 2:05 a.m. when a 59-year-old man from Derby was dropped off at North Country Hospital in Newport with multiple gunshot wounds. The man was treated for serious injuries and airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, where his condition is considered stable.

 

The victim and other individuals involved to whom the state police has spoken about this case have not provided significant details about what occurred, including the location where the man was shot.

 

This investigation is in its earliest stages and involves members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Field Force Division. The victim’s name is being withheld pending further investigation and notification of relatives.

 

VSP asks that anyone with information that might assist in this case call the Vermont State Police in Derby at 802-334-8881, or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

No further details are currently available. The state police will provide updates as the case progresses.

 

- 30 -

St Albans Barracks / Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A2005496                        

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Sgt Andrew Underwood    

STATION: St Albans                        

CONTACT#: (802) 524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: On August 23, 2026, at approximately 1508 hours

STREET: Lake Street

TOWN: St Albans City

WEATHER: Clear & Sunny

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Erik Mahoney

AGE: 53

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St Albans, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2021

VEHICLE MAKE: Jeep    

VEHICLE MODEL: Gladiator

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor

INJURIES: None

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Alyssa Ross

AGE: 32

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St Albans, VT

 

PASSENGER: Rosita Smith

AGE: 36

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St Albans, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2021

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford    

VEHICLE MODEL: Explorer

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Totaled

INJURIES: None

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 8/23/2026, at approximately 1508 hours, the Vermont State Police - St Albans were notified of a two-vehicle crash involving a St Albans Police Department Cruiser. 

It was determined that Operator #1, Erik Mahoney, was traveling east on Lake Street. Mahoney attempted to turn north onto Pine Street and drove directly into the path of Vehicle #2, the St Albans Police Department cruiser. The operator of the cruiser, Officer Alyssa Ross, attempted to avoid Mahoney's vehicle but was unsuccessful. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. There were no injuries reported as a result of this crash.  

Sergeant Andrew Underwood (207)

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

(802)524-5993

Derby Barracks / Violations of Conditions of Release, Unlawful Restraint, Unlawful Trespass

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A5003594/26A5004754/26A5004759

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Aaron Leonard                          

STATION: Derby                   

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 08/20/2026 1110 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Troy and Westfield, VT

VIOLATION: Violations of Conditions of Release, Unlawful Restraint, Unlawful Trespass

 

ACCUSED: Ryan Bathalon                                               

AGE: 40

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Westfield, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 8/20/2026 at approximately 1110 hours the Vermont State Police received a report from a construction site on VT Route 100 in Westfield, VT, that an individual had disabled a boom lift in use, trapping the operator in the elevated basket. Other workers and the operator of the lift were able to re-engage the lift after several minutes, and free the operator. The suspect was identified as Ryan Bathalon, age 40 of Westfield VT. Bathalon had fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival. It was found that Bathalon was in violation of court ordered conditions of release prohibiting him from contacting or harassing the lift operator.

 

Bathalon was not immediately located and Troopers continued to search for him throughout the day on 8/20. At approximately 1415 hours on 8/20, the Troy, Lowell, and Jay Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at a sugarhouse on Carter Road in Troy, VT. Bathalon was reported by the property owner to have been seen on video recording at the property prior to the fire, after having been previously trespassed from the property. This fire is under continued investigation by the Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and further details may be released at a later date.

 

Bathalon was later located on 8/20 and taken into custody in Westfield. Bathalon was processed at the Derby barracks and held on $2,500 bail at Northern State Correctional Facility. Bathalon was arraigned on 8/21/2026 on charges to include Violation of Conditions of Release, Unlawful Trespass, and Unlawful Restraint.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 8/21/2026 at 12:30PM           

COURT: Orleans Criminal Court

LODGED - LOCATION: Northern State Correctional Facility

BAIL: $2,500

MUG SHOT: ATTACHED

 

*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.

 

 

Aaron Leonard, Trooper

Vermont State Police – Derby

35 Crawford Road,

Derby, VT 05829

802-334-8881

aaron.leonard@vermont.gov

 

Vermont State Police Watch Commander schedule, Aug. 24-30, 2026

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Watch Commander Schedule for the week of Aug. 24-30, 2026. 

 

Please follow the attached instructions for contacting the Watch Commanders.

 

 

Watch Commander – North

Capt. Michael Filipek

michael.filipek@vermont.gov

 

 

Watch Commander – South

Lt. Aron McNeil

aron.c.mcneil@vermont.gov

 

 

 

Watch Commander – Troop A (north)

Williston: 802-878-7111

St. Albans: 802-524-5993

Berlin: 802-229-9191

St. Johnsbury: 802-748-3111

Derby: 802-334-8881

 

Watch Commander – Troop B (south)

Westminster: 802-722-4600

Royalton: 802-234-9933

Shaftsbury: 802-442-5421

Rutland: 802-773-9101

New Haven: 802-388-4919

 

Please visit: http://vsp.vermont.gov/stations for a state coverage map of towns served by specific VSP Field Stations

 

 

Rutland Barracks / Multiple Charges

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

  

CASE#: 26B4006394

 

 

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Sean Mulderry

 

STATION: Rutland

 

CONTACT#: 802-773-9101

 

DATE/TIME:  08/22/2026 @ 10:51 hours

 

INCIDENT LOCATION: Best Western Place, Mendon, VT

 

 

ACCUSED: Dennis McLaughlin                                         

 

AGE: 55

 

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, VT

 

VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release, Criminal Threatening

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 08/22/2026, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks received a report of a guest refusing to leave a room at their designated check-out time who had threatened to shoot staff members if they attempted to have him removed.

 

 

Investigation revealed Dennis McLaughlin (55) of Rutland, VT, made criminal threats to staff members of the Best Western. It was also determined that McLaughlin had been consuming alcohol in violation of his court ordered conditions of release. McLaughlin was placed in custody for these violations and subsequently lodged for lack of $5,000 bail at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Rutland County Superior Court on August 24th, 2026, at 1230 hours.

 

 

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

 

COURT DATE/TIME: 08/24/2026 @ 1230 hours          

 

COURT:  Rutland County Superior Court

 

LODGED - LOCATION: Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility

 

BAIL: 5,000

 

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 arraignment time.

 

 

 

St. Albans Barracks / Disorderly Conduct

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A2005494

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Carson Cowhig                        

STATION: St. Albans Barracks            

CONTACT#: (802)-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 8/22/2026 @ 1324 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Luke St. Highgate, VT

VIOLATION: Disorderly Conduct

 

ACCUSED: Evan Whalon                                              

AGE: 25

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Highgate, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On August 22, 2026, at approximately 1324 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police St. Albans Barracks responded to the report of a noise disturbance on Luke Street in Highgate, Vermont. Upon arrival, it was determined that Evan Whalon (25) of Highgate, VT acted in a disorderly manner in a public space in the presence of the Vermont State Police.

 

Whalon was subsequently arrested and transported to the St. Albans - State Police Barracks for processing. Whalon was issued a citation ordering Whalon to appear before the Franklin County Criminal Court on September 22^nd, 2026, at 0800 hours to answer to the charge of Disorderly Conduct.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: September 22nd, 2026 @ 0800 hours           

COURT: Franklin County Court

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A  

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Attached

 

 

 

 

*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 Carson Cowhig

Vermont State Police – St. Albans

140 Fisher Pond Road

St. Albans, VT 05468

(802) 524-5993

 

St. Albans Barracks / Arrest on Warrant

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A2005522

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Carson Cowhig                          

STATION: St. Albans Barracks                  

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 08/23/2026 @ 1958 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Willow Street Richford, VT

VIOLATION: Arrest on Warrant

 

ACCUSED: Kyly Ott                                              

AGE: 24

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Richford, VT

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On August 23rd, 2026, at approximately 1958 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police - St. Albans Barracks located Kyly Ott walking on Willow Street in the Town of Richford, VT. Ott was known by Troopers to have active warrants for her arrest.

 

Ott was taken into custody for the warrant and transported to Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in the Town of South Burlington where she was held on $3,000 bail. Ott was additionally issued a flash citation ordering Ott to appear before the Franklin County Criminal Court on August 24th, 2026, at 1300 hours.

 

The active warrants contained the charges of:

 

-     GRAND LARCENY >$900

-     VEHICLE OPERATION - WITHOUT OWNER CONSENT - AGGRAVATED

-     FALSE PRETENSES OR FALSE - TOKENS $900 OR LESS x4

-     RETAIL THEFT $900 OR LESS

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: August 24th, 2026 @ 1300 hours        

COURT: Franklin County Criminal Court

LODGED - LOCATION: Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility

BAIL: $3,000

MUG SHOT: Attached

 

 

 

 

*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 Carson Cowhig

Vermont State Police – St. Albans

140 Fisher Pond Road

St. Albans, VT 05468

(802) 524-5993

 

St. Johnsbury Barracks / Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A4008723                                             

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Christopher Santic

STATION:  VSP St. Johnsbury Barracks                           

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 08/21/2026 @ 2042 hours

STREET: Route 5S

TOWN: Fairlee

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Ely Road

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A

WEATHER: warm, clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry blacktop

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Jon Thoms

AGE:  26

SEAT BELT? No

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Thetford, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: Unknown

VEHICLE MAKE: Suzuki

VEHICLE MODEL: Motorcycle GSX

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Serious – Life Threatening

HOSPITAL: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 08/21/2026 at approximately 2042 hours, the Vermont State Police received numerous 911 calls reporting a motorcycle crash on Route 5S near the intersection of Ely Rd. in the town of Fairlee. Bradford FD, Fairlee FD, Upper Valley Ambulance, and Vermont State Police responded to the scene.  The operator was identified as Jon Thoms of Thetford, VT. Thoms was transported to DHMC with Serious life-threatening injuries. Investigation determined Thoms was traveling south on Route 5 and failed to navigate the right curve in the roadway. Speed and alcohol were determined to be contributing factors of the crash.

 

The investigation into crash is active and ongoing. No additional details are currently available.

 

St. Johnsbury Barracks / DUI #1

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4008798

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Nicole Gruenewald                          

STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks                    

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 08/23/2026 at 0043 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 5 / Pine Street, Newbury VT

VIOLATION: DUI #1

 

ACCUSED: Kyra Gilrain                               

AGE: 21

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bradford, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were on routine patrol in the town of Newbury, VT. Troopers observed a motor vehicle violation and subsequently conducted a motor vehicle stop. The operator was identified as Kyra Gilrain (21) of Bradford, VT. While speaking with Gilrain, Troopers detected indicators of impairment. Gilrain was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and brought to the St. Johnsbury barracks for processing. Gilrain was issued a citation to appear in Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division on September 9, 2026, at 0800 hours.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/09/2026 at 0800 hours          

COURT: Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division

LODGED: 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 to confirm arraignment time.

Trooper Nicole Gruenewald

Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury

1068 US-5 #1

St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819

(802) 748-3111