VSP News Releases

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.

April 23, 2026

St Johnsbury Arrest on Multiple Charges

CASE#: 26A4003311, 26A4004110, 26A4004113

RANK/TROOPER NAME: Trooper Haley, Trooper Nally

STATION: St. Johnsbury

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

DATE/TIME: Aprill 22, 2026 at 1119 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Vermont Route 113, Thetford

VIOLATION: Fugitive From Justice, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Fentanyl (x2), Possession of Methamphetamine

ACCUSED: Jessica Southworth

AGE: 41

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Vershire, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, Troopers were on routine patrol on Vermont Route 113 in the town of Thetford, Vermont. While patrolling, Troopers located Southworth who was known to have a warrant for her arrest out of New Hampshire and additional Vermont Charges. Troopers took Southworth into custody and in the process, Southworth resisted arrest. Southworth was held without bail at NERCF on the fugitive charges.

COURT ACTION: Lodged

COURT DATE/TIME: Wednesday April 22, 2026 at 1600 hours

COURT: Orange County Superior Court - Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: Northeast Correctional Facility

BAIL: Held Without

MUG SHOT: Attached

Trooper Jason Haley

Vermont State Police

St Johnsbury Barracks

802-748-3111

St. Albans Barracks // Negligent Operation

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A2002479

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Bodey Towle

STATION: St. Albans

CONTACT#: (802) 524-5993

DATE/TIME: 04/20/2026 14:40 Hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: I-89 N MM 111, Georgia

VIOLATION: Negligent Operation

ACCUSED: Gabriel Bates

AGE: 21

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Franklin, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 20^th, 2026, at approximately 1440 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police St. Albans Barracks were conducting speed enforcement via LIDAR along a section of I-89 near mile marker 111. A vehicle was observed traveling at a rate of speed far greater than the posted 65mph speed limit. LIDAR was activated and registered a speed of 112mph, a violation of Title 23 V.S.A. 1004, Interstate Highway Rules.

A traffic stop was initiated, and the operator was identified as Gabriel Bates, 21, of Franklin. Gates was taken into custody without incident and transported back to the St. Albans Barracks for processing. He was issued a citation to appear in the Franklin County Superior Court on May 26^th, 2026, at 0800 hours, to answer to the charge of Negligent Operation. He was also issued a Vermont Civil Violation Complaint for the violation of Title 23 V.S.A. 1004 with a waiver amount of $696.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: May 26^th, 2026 / 0800 hours

COURT: Franklin

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

Trooper Bodey Towle

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

140 Fisher Pond Rd.

St. Albans, VT 05478

802 524 5993

Re: Traffic Alert - i91 NB to i89 NB

Roadway is now open to all traffic.

From: Deslauriers, Katherine via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 20:07
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - i91 NB to i89 NB

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
Royalton

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
i91 NB to i89 NB has one lane obstructed in the area of Exit 10B due to a traffic incident.

This incident is expected to last for 1-2 hours. Specific details are not yet available, updates will be provided as appropriate.

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

Williston Barracks / License Required

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A1002934

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michelle Archer

STATION: Vermont State Police - Williston

CONTACT#: 807-878-7111

DATE/TIME: April 20, 2026 / 1120 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 109 / Beals Hill Rd, Waterville

VIOLATION: No License - Criminal

ACCUSED: Marie A. Nolan-Fowler

AGE: 57

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Cambridge, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, Troopers from the Williston Barracks were monitoring traffic on VT Route 109 in the town of Waterville. Troopers observed a vehicle with an expired temporary registration plate. A motor vehicle stop was conducted and the operator identified by Vermont Photo ID as Marie A. Nolan-Fowler (57) of Cambridge, VT. Nolan-Fowler was found to be driving without a valid license and found to have a prior conviction for the violation, making the current violation criminal. She was released on a citation to appear in Lamoille County Superior Court - Criminal Division.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: June 3, 2026 / 1430 hours

COURT: Lamoille County Superior Court - Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: n/a

BAIL: n/a

MUG SHOT: NOT AVAILABLE

*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.

Traffic Alert - i91 NB to i89 NB

Updated with additional charge VSP News Release // 26B4002586 // Transportation of Contraband into a Place of Detention

On 4-23-26 Nichole LaFrancois (age 27, Rutland VT) was issued a citation to appear in Rutland Criminal Court (May 18^th, 2026, at 10 AM) for Transportation of Contraband into a Place of Detention.

The investigation determined that LaFrancois transported marijuana and tobacco into the Marble Valley Correctional Center while visiting incarcerated inmate Jacob Alberico on 4-4-2026.

When LaFrancois arrived at the VSP Rutland barracks to receive a citation for the above offense, it was determined that she had an active arrest warrant for an unrelated court matter (retail theft from Bennington Criminal Court). LaFrancois was transported to Rutland Court where $200 bail was posted for her release.

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.

Detective Sgt. Jesse Robson

Vermont State Police Troop B – West

124 State Place Rutland VT 05701

802 773 9101

From: Robson, Jesse
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 9:36 AM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>
Subject: VSP News Release // 26B4002586 // Transportation of Contraband into a Place of Detention

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26B4002586

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Det. Sgt. Jesse Robson

STATION: Rutland Barracks Troop B-West Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)

CONTACT#: 802 773 9101

DATE/TIME: 4-4-26

INCIDENT LOCATION: Marble Valley Correctional Center (MVCC)

VIOLATION: Transportation of Contraband into a Place of Detention 18 VSA 4249(a)(2)

ACCUSED: Jacob Alberico

AGE: 33

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland VT

VICTIM: N/A

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) Correctional Officers (COs) interdicted a suspicious package that was transported into MVCC during visiting hours. Vermont State Police BCI and DOC conducted an investigation. It was determined that incarcerated inmate Jacob Alberico received tobacco and marijuana during a visit. These substances appeared to be of a personal use volume. Vermont State Police identified the female visitor, and case materials are being submitted to request a warrant for that female's arrest. Any subsequent information related to this investigation will be in a future news release.

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 5-18-26 10 AM

COURT: Rutland Criminal Court

LODGED - LOCATION: Jacob Alberico remains incarcerated for previous charges. No bail was sought for this new offense.

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.

Detective Sgt. Jesse Robson

Vermont State Police Troop B – West

124 State Place Rutland VT 05701

802 773 9101

St. Albans Barracks / Arrest on Warrant

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A2002554

TROOPER: Adam Martin

STATION: St Albans Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

DATE/TIME: 04/23/2026 at approximately 1420 hours

LOCATION: Thornton Drive Highgate, VT

VIOLATION: Arrest on Warrant

ACCUSED: Austin Robtoy

AGE: 26

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Highgate, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 23^rd, 2026, at approximately 1420 hours, Troopers from the St. Albans Barracks had received information that Austin Robtoy (26) of Highgate, VT was located at an address on Thornton Drive in the Town of Highgate. Robtoy was known by Troopers to have an active warrant for his arrest.

As Troopers arrived at the address, Robtoy exited through an exterior window on the backside of the residence. Shortly after fleeing the property, Troopers were able to apprehend Robtoy and take him into custody for the active warrant.

Robtoy was then transported to Northwest State Correctional Facility in the Town of St. Albans where he was held on $1,000 bail. Robtoy was additionally issued a flash citation ordering Robtoy to appear before the Franklin County Criminal Court on April 24^th, 2026, at 1300 hours.

The active warrant contained the charges of:

13 VSA 3701(a) Felony 1 UNLAWFUL MISCHIEF >$1000

28 VSA 302 Misdemeanor 1 VIOLATION OF PROBATION

13 VSA 7559(e) Misdemeanor 1 VIOLATION OF CONDITIONS OF RELEASE

28 VSA 302 Misdemeanor 1 VIOLATION OF PROBATION

13 VSA 1023(a)(1) Misdemeanor 1 ASSAULT - SIMPLE

13 VSA 2502 Misdemeanor 1 PETIT LARCENY $900 OR LESS

28 VSA 302 Misdemeanor 1 VIOLATION OF PROBATION

13 VSA 2502 Other 1 PETIT LARCENY $900 OR LESS

13 VSA 1042 Other 1 ASSAULT - DOMESTIC

13 VSA 1023(a)(1) Other 2 ASSAULT - SIMPLE

13 VSA 7559(a) Other 3 VIOLATION OF CONDITIONS OF RELEASE

28 VSA 302 Other 1 VIOLATION OF PROBATION

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE: 04/24/2026 at 1300 hours

COURT: Franklin County Criminal Court

LODGED – LOCATION: Northwest State Correctional Facility

BAIL: $1,000

MUG SHOT: Attached

Trooper Adam Martin (221)

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

(802)524-5993

Adam.martin@vermont.gov

Williston Barracks / DUI

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A1002980

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Omar Bulle

STATION: Williston

CONTACT#: (802) 878-7111

DATE/TIME: April 22, 2026, at approximately 0144 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 117 / Skunk Hollow Road

VIOLATION: DUI #1

ACCUSED: Mark Madden

AGE: 49

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Georgia, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 22, 2026, at approximately 0144 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Williston Barracks were dispatched to a report of a single motor vehicle crash on VT Route 117 at the intersection of Skunk Hollow Road in the Town of Jericho. Troopers identified the operator of the vehicle as Mark Madden (49) of Georgia, per his Vermont Driver’s License.

While speaking with Madden, Troopers detected numerous signs of impairment. He was screened and subsequently arrested for suspicion of DUI. Madden was transported to the Williston Police Department for processing. At the conclusion of processing, he was released with a citation to appear in the Chittenden County Superior Court on June 9th, 2026, at 0830 hours, to answer to the charges of DUI #1.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: June 9th, 2026, at 0830 hours

COURT: Chittenden

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

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 arraignment time.

Trooper Omar Bulle

Vermont State Police - Williston

3294 St. George Road

Williston, VT 05495

(802) 878-7111

April 22, 2026

Berlin Barracks / Excessive Speed and Negligent Operation

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A3003211

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Lt. Thomas Howard

STATION: Berlin Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

DATE/TIME: April 22, 2026 at 0838 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Stagecoach Road / Tansy Hill Road, Stowe, VT

VIOLATION: Negligent Operation / Excessive Speed

ACCUSED: Wesley Cote

AGE: 27

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hyde Park, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 22, 2025, at approximately 0838 hours, a member of the Vermont State Police was traveling south on Stagecoach Road in the Town of Stowe. At that time, a Toyota Tacoma, also traveling south, entered into the opposing lane of travel and passed the State Trooper, in an unmarked cruiser, in a posted No Passing Zone with posted signs stating "Do Not Pass." The vehicle passed the State Trooper at a high rate of speed, with their speeds exceeding 70 MPH in a posted 40 MPH zone.

The Tacoma was stopped and the operator was identified as Wesley Cote, of Hyde Park, VT. Cote was issued a VCVC for failing to obey traffic control devices, a violation of Title 23 VSA 1021, which carries a penalty of 2 points and a $162.00 fine. Additionally, Cote was issued a citation to appear in Lamoille County Superior Court, Criminal Division, for the offense of Negligent Operation, a violation of Title 23 VSA 1091, and the offense of excessive speed, a violation of Title 23 VSA 1097.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: June 3, 2026 at 1400 hours

COURT: Lamoille County Superior Court, Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N

BAIL: N

MUG SHOT: NOT AVAILABLE

*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.

Westminster Barracks / Missing Juvenile

News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26B1003318

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Victor Elias / Sgt. Stacy Corliss

STATION: Westminster Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-722-4600

DATE/TIME: 04/21/2026 at 2206 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Main Street, Cavendish, VT

INCIDENT: Missing Juvenile

NAME: Lia St. Martin

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: The Vermont State Police is investigating a missing-persons case involving a 15-year-old who was last known to have left a youth home in Cavendish on 04/21/2026 at approximately 2206 hours.

Lia St. Martin is believed to have left the group residence located on Main Street in Cavendish on foot. She is described as a 5'4", 125 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt with the word "Middlebury" on it and jeans. Her direction of travel was unknown.

The disappearance is not believed to be suspicious, but there are concerns for St. Martin's welfare. Anyone with information on her whereabouts, who sees someone matching her description, or who has been in contact with her is asked to contact VSP's Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600 or leave an anonymous tip at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

Derby Barracks/Motor Vehicle Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

CASE: 26A5002070

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jeff Ferrier

STATION: Derby

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

DATE/TIME: 4/20/26 0552 Hours

STREET: VT Route 101

TOWN: Troy

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: VT Route 242

WEATHER: Snowing

ROAD CONDITIONS: Snow/Ice

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Noah Smith

AGE: 25

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport Town, VT

INJURIES: Non-life-threatening

HOSPITAL: North Country

VEHICLE YEAR: 2021

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: F-250

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Tonya Brown

AGE: 43

SEAT BELT: Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport City, VT

INJURIES: Minor

VEHICLE YEAR: 2024

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: Escape

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Totaled

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On the above listed date and time, the Vermont State Police, Troy Fire Department and Newport EMS, responded to the intersection of VT RT 101 and VT RT 242 in the Town of Troy, for a reported two-vehicle crash. Investigation revealed operator #1, Noah Smith, was traveling north on VT RT 101 when he attempted to pass on the left operator #2, Tonya Brown, as she was turning left from VT RT 101 onto VT RT 242, thus causing both vehicles to collide. Smith was transported to North Country Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Brown sustained minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital. Both vehicles were totaled in the crash.

Trooper Jeff Ferrier

Vermont State Police

Troop A - Derby Barracks

35 Crawford Rd

Derby, VT 05829

Jeff.Ferrier@Vermont.gov

(802) 334-8881

Shaftsbury Barracks / Excessive Speed

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26B3001868

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Prandini

STATION: Shaftsbury

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

DATE/TIME: April 20, 2026, 1943 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7, mile marker 19, Shaftsbury

VIOLATION: Excessive Speed

ACCUSED: Andrew O. Brown

AGE: 52

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On April 20, 2026, at approximately 1943 hours, on US Route 7 in Shaftsbury, Troopers observed a vehicle driving northbound near mile marker 19 at a speed of 89 mph. The posted speed in that area is 55 mph. A traffic stop was conducted, and the operator of the vehicle was identified as Andrew O. Brown (52) of Bennington, VT. Brown was cited for Excessive Speed and ordered to appear in Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division, on June 8, 2026, at 0830 hours.

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: June 8, 2026, 0830 hours

COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division

MUG SHOT: No

*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.

Shaftsbury Barracks / Fatal Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

CASE#: 26B3001913

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Stevens

STATION: Shaftsbury

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

DATE/TIME: 04/22/26 @ 1053 hours

STREET: Vermont Route 9

TOWN: Searsburg

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Old Route 9

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Normal

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Alan J Vautrain

AGE: 53

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Ludlow, MA

VEHICLE YEAR: 2017

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Rav-4

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Fatal

HOSPITAL: NA

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Robert S Ruhl

AGE: 72

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Wilmington, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2025

VEHICLE MAKE: Lexus

VEHICLE MODEL: RX

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Totaled

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 04/22/26 at 1053 hours, Troopers of the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks were notified of a two-vehicle crash in the area of 1660 Vermont Route 9 in the town of Searsburg. It was reported one of the operators was entrapped and unresponsive.

Initial investigations revealed operator one, identified as Alan Vautrain (53), was traveling East on Vermont Route 9 and entered the oncoming lane of traffic. Operator two, identified as Robert Ruhl (72) attempted to swerve into the other lane of travel to avoid a collision. Operator one also attempted to swerve back into his lane at the last second, causing a head-on collision. Both vehicles were totaled as a result of the crash. Operator one was pronounced dead at the scene and operator two was transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries.

Vermont State Police were assisted by Wilmington Fire Department, Deerfield Valley Rescue, and Walt's Towing.

The investigation is ongoing and any witnesses are encouraged to contact Trooper Stevens with Vermont State Police Shaftsbury at (802) 442-5421.

LODGED - LOCATION: NA

BAIL: NA

MUG SHOT: NA

COURT ACTION: NA

COURT: NA

COURT DATE/TIME: NA

*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.

UPDATE Westminster Barracks / Missing Juvenile

**UPDATE**

Lia St. Martin was been located safely in Middlebury, VT.

From: Corliss, Stacy
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 3:29 AM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>
Cc: Daley, Matthew <Matthew.Daley@vermont.gov>; Studin, Michael <Michael.Studin@vermont.gov>; Hall, Daniel <Daniel.Hall@vermont.gov>; Hughes, Kevin <Kevin.Hughes@vermont.gov>
Subject: Westminster Barracks / Missing Juvenile

News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26B1003318

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Victor Elias / Sgt. Stacy Corliss

STATION: Westminster Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-722-4600

DATE/TIME: 04/21/2026 at 2206 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Main Street, Cavendish, VT

INCIDENT: Missing Juvenile

NAME: Lia St. Martin

Berlin Barracks / Excessive Speed and Negligent Operation

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A3003211

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Lt. Thomas Howard

STATION: Berlin Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

DATE/TIME: April 22, 2026 at 0838 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Stagecoach Road / Tansy Hill Road, Stowe, VT

VIOLATION: Negligent Operation / Excessive Speed

ACCUSED: Wesley Cote

AGE: 27

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hyde Park, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: June 3, 2026 at 1400 hours

COURT: Lamoille County Superior Court, Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N

BAIL: N

MUG SHOT: NOT AVAILABLE

*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.

Arrest on Warrant / St. Albans Barracks

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A2002522

TROOPER: Adam Martin

STATION: St Albans

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

DATE/TIME: April 22^nd, 2026 @ 1025 hours

LOCATION: Center Street Richford, VT

VIOLATION: Arrest on Warrant

ACCUSED: Craig Fuller

AGE: 40

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Richford, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 22^nd, 2026, at approximately 1025 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – St. Albans Barracks were conducting patrol on Center Street the Town of Richford, VT when they had observed Craig Fuller (40) of Richford, VT riding a scooter. Fuller was known by Troopers to have multiple active warrants for his arrest.

Fuller’s arrest warrants were for the initial charges of:

13 VSA 2502 Misdemeanor 1 PETIT LARCENY $900 OR LESS X2

13 VSA 2575(1) & 13 VSA 2577(a) Misdemeanor 1 RETAIL THEFT - $250 OR LESS

Fuller was taken into custody by Troopers and then transported to the Franklin County Courthouse where he was seen before the court. At the conclusion of the hearing, Fuller was transported to Northwest State Correctional Facility in the Town of St. Albans where he was held on $200 bail.

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE: 04/22/2026 at 1300 hours

COURT: Franklin County Superior Court

LODGED – LOCATION: Northwest State Correctional Facility

BAIL: $200

MUG SHOT: None

Trooper Adam Martin (221)

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

(802)524-5993

Adam.martin@vermont.gov

Shaftsbury Barracks / Fatal Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

CASE#: 26B3001913

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Stevens

STATION: Shaftsbury

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

DATE/TIME: 04/22/26 @ 1053 hours

STREET: Vermont Route 9

TOWN: Searsburg

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Old Route 9

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Normal

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Alan J Vautrain

AGE: 53

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Ludlow, MA

VEHICLE YEAR: 2017

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Rav-4

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Fatal

HOSPITAL: NA

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Robert S Ruhl

AGE: 72

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Wilmington, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2025

VEHICLE MAKE: Lexus

VEHICLE MODEL: RX

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Totaled

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

Vermont State Police were assisted by Wilmington Fire Department, Deerfield Valley Rescue, and Walt's Towing.

The investigation is ongoing and any witnesses are encouraged to contact Trooper Stevens with Vermont State Police Shaftsbury at (802) 442-5421.

Public Safety Commissioner, VSP Director respond to prosecutor’s failure to charge offenders arrested in South Burlington

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

Public Safety Commissioner, VSP Director respond to prosecutor’s failure to charge offenders arrested in South Burlington

WATERBURY, Vermont (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) — Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison and Vermont State Police Director Col. Matthew T. Birmingham today issued the following statement related to prosecutorial decisions arising from the March 11 incident on Dorset Street in South Burlington:

Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George’s recent statement just gave permission for people at large gatherings to obstruct police officers and interfere with arrests. This is a disheartening decision that sets a dangerous precedent. State’s Attorney George has a vastly different vision from our own for what public safety and the rule of law looks like. She has missed an opportunity to delineate between the lawful conduct the First Amendment protects and the lawlessness of criminal behavior that escalates volatile situations and harms communities.

We take offense to State’s Attorney George’s suggestion that state and local law enforcement bear equal responsibility for the “unacceptable and perhaps criminal behavior” that took place on Dorset Street.

Furthermore, to impugn the ability of the police to conduct fair, thorough investigations directly undermines all the cases in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, which relies on the investigative work of police departments each day to support every case the office is prosecuting.

The state’s attorney’s failure to bring charges in this matter is likely to embolden people at similar events in the future to cross the line into criminal behavior, placing the public and law enforcement at greater risk of harm.

In fact, lawbreakers in Chittenden County already seemed to know they can act with impunity. Individuals at the Dorset Street incident repeatedly stated that State’s Attorney George would not prosecute them for their behavior that day.

It turns out they were right.

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April 23, 2026

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