St. Johnsbury Barracks / Runaway Juvenile

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4004963

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Matthew Salazar                           

STATION: St. Johnsbury                    

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 05/09/2026 at 1755 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 5, West Burke, VT

VIOLATION: Runaway Juvenile

 

JUVENILE: Olivia Champagne                                               

AGE: 15

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Burke, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 05/09/2026, at approximately 1755 hours, Vermont Troopers were notified of a runaway juvenile on US Route 5 in the town of Burke, VT. Investigation revealed that Olivia Champagne (15) left her residence without permission. Champagne was picked up and brought to Danville, VT by an unknown individual. A clothing description of what Champagne was wearing is a white hoodie, grey leggings, "cranberry jordans," and a bright orange pocketbook. A photo of Champagne is attached. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111.

 

Royalton Barracks / DUI crash

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B2002183

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME:  Trooper Elisabeth Plympton                          

STATION:  VSP Royalton                    

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

DATE/TIME: 05/09/2026 @ 2028 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Main St, Bethel

VIOLATION: DUI

ACCUSED: James Loura                                            

AGE: 37

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: South Royalton, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: At the above date and time, the Vermont State Police - Royalton Barracks received a report that a motorist struck a parked vehicle on Main Street in Bethel, VT. Troopers responded and identified the operator as James Loura (37). Throughout the investigation, Loura was displaying signs of impairment. At the conclusion of the investigation, Loura was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and transported to the Royalton Barracks for processing. Loura was ultimately issued a citation and released.

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME:   05/26/2026 @ 0830 hours          

COURT: Windsor County Criminal Court

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 to confirm arraignment time.

Trooper Elisabeth Plympton

Vermont State Police

Royalton Barracks

2011 VT RT 107
Bethel, VT 05032
Tel: 802-234-9933

Traffic Alert - VT Route 12A, Northfield

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Berlin

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
VT Route 12A, Northfield has both lanes obstructed in the area of due to a crash.

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.

St. Johnsbury Barracks / DUI Drug

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4004960

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper LeBlanc                      

STATION: VSP St. Johnsbury          

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 05/09/2026 @ 1728 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, Vermont

VIOLATION: DUI Drug

 

ACCUSED: Alicia John                                   

AGE: 28

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Danville, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury Barracks conducted a traffic stop in the town of St. Johnsbury. The operator was identified as Alicia John (28). Throughout the interaction, John was displaying signs of impairment. At the conclusion of investigation, John was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and transported to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. John was ultimately issued a citation and released.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 07/27/2026 @ 0830 hours            

COURT: Caledonia County Criminal Court

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 to confirm arraignment time.

 

 

 

Shaftsbury Barracks/Sobriety and Safety Checkpoint

VSP News Release

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME:  SGT Justin Walker                           

STATION: Shaftsbury Field Station                   

CONTACT#: 802-442-5421

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

Vermont State Police, Shaftsbury Field Station will be partnering with local, county and other state law enforcement agencies to conduct a Safety and Sobriety Checkpoint in the coming weeks within Bennington County.

As of May 9th, 2026, Vermont has seen 15 motor vehicle crashes resulting in the deaths of 16 people. The goal of this checkpoint is to help reduce the number of fatal crashes/fatalities statewide as the season shifts toward late spring/summer activities and holidays. Any recent crash data can be found at http://ghsp.vermont.org. In addition to checkpoint(s), Troopers will be aggressively patrolling and enforcing motor vehicle laws concerning impaired, distracted/aggressive driving, speeding, and seatbelt use in high traffic and high crash areas.

The Vermont State Police would like to remind motorists to avoid operating under the influence alcohol/drugs and to always utilize a sober driver.

Sergeant Justin Walker

Patrol Commander

Vermont State Police 

Troop B - Shaftsbury

96 Airport Rd

Shaftsbury, VT 05262

802-442-5421

Shaftsbury Barracks / Negligent Operation

 

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B3002321

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Prandini                             

STATION: Shaftsbury                      

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: May 9, 2026, 1758 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7, Exit 2, Bennington

VIOLATION: Negligent Operation

 

ACCUSED: William Gustave Roff                                               

AGE: 55

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Deerbrook, WI

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On May 9, 2026, at approximately 1758 hours, Troopers observed a vehicle driving the wrong way on a divided portion of US Route 7 in Bennington, VT. This vehicle was observed traveling southbound in a northbound section of US Route 7 near Exit 2. A traffic stop was conducted, and the operator was identified as William Gustave Roff (55) of Deerbrook, WI. Roff was cited for Negligent Operation and ordered to appear in Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division on June 22, 2026, at 0830 hours.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: June 22, 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.

St. Johnsbury Barracks / DUI

VSP NEWS RELEASE-INCIDENT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#: 26A4004921

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Goodwin

Station: St. Johnsbury

Contact#: (802)-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 05/08/2026 @ 2157 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Lunenburg, VT

VIOLATION: DUI - Drugs

 

ACCUSED: Shilo Walter

AGE: 48

CITY, OF RESIDENCE: Dalton, NH

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were notified of a crash in the town of Lunenburg. Upon investigation, it was determined Shilo Walter (48) of Dalton, NH, was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs. Walter was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. Walter was later issued a citation to appear in Essex County Superior Court – Criminal Division, on 7/14/2026 at 0830 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 07/14/2026 at 8:30 AM           

COURT: Essex County Superior Court - Criminal Division

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 the arraignment time.

 

St. Johnsbury Barracks / DUI

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4004929

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Goodwin                           

STATION: St. Johnsbury                 

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 05/09/26 approximately 1:49 AM

INCIDENT LOCATION: 2479 Waits River Rd, Bradford, VT

VIOLATION: DUI

 

ACCUSED: Ashleigh Putnam

AGE: 33

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bradford, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 05/09/2026 at approximately 1:49 AM, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury barracks were dispatched to the area of 2479 Waits River Rd in Bradford, Vermont for a report of a vehicle off the road.  Upon arriving on scene, Ashliegh Putnam was identified as the operator of the vehicle.  While speaking with Troopers she showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence. She was transported to the Berlin Barracks for processing and released with a citation to appear in Orange County Superior Court - Criminal Division.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/20/26 at 8:30 AM          

COURT: Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A    

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Yes

 

 

 

 

*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.

 

Vermont State Police investigates suspicious death in Norwich

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police investigates suspicious death in Norwich

 

NORWICH, Vermont (Saturday, May 9, 2026) — The Vermont State Police is investigating a suspicious death in the Windsor County town of Norwich.

 

The investigation began at about 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, when police received a report of a deceased woman at a property at 48 Douglas Hill Rd. First responders located a woman dead inside the residence.

 

Initial investigation indicates the woman’s death occurred under potentially suspicious circumstances. Everyone associated with this matter is accounted for, and there is no identified danger to the public.

 

The victim’s body will be brought to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. The state police will release the identity of the deceased female following further investigation and notification of relatives.

 

This investigation is in its early stages and involves members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division and Victim Services Unit, with assistance from the Norwich Police Department.

 

VSP asks that anyone with information that could assist investigators call the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

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

 

- 30 -

Vermont State Police investigates suspicious death in Norwich

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police investigates suspicious death in Norwich

 

NORWICH, Vermont (Saturday, May 9, 2026) — The Vermont State Police is investigating a suspicious death in the Windsor County town of Norwich.

 

The investigation began at about 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, when police received a report of a deceased woman at a property at 48 Douglas Hill Rd. First responders located a woman dead inside the residence.

 

Initial investigation indicates the woman’s death occurred under potentially suspicious circumstances. Everyone associated with this matter is accounted for, and there is no identified danger to the public.

 

The victim’s body will be brought to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. The state police will release the identity of the deceased female following further investigation and notification of relatives.

 

This investigation is in its early stages and involves members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division and Victim Services Unit, with assistance from the Norwich Police Department.

 

VSP asks that anyone with information that could assist investigators call the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

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

 

- 30 -

Rutland Barracks / MV Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26B4003588

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Charles Gardner

STATION: Rutland                           

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: On May 9, 2026, at approximately 1619 hours

STREET: US RT 7

TOWN: Pittsford, Vermont

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Linden Heights

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A

WEATHER: Overcast

ROAD CONDITIONS: Damp, clear

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Christopher Faber

AGE: 39

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brandon, Vermont

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2010

VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru

VEHICLE MODEL: Forester

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaling damage

INJURIES: Non-life-threatening head and stomach injuries.

HOSPITAL: Rutland Regional Medical Center

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 5/9/2026, at approximately 1619 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were notified of a single vehicle crash on US RT 7 in Pittsford.

Through investigation it was determined that Operator #1 (Faber) was operating vehicle #1, traveling north on US RT 7. Operator #1 (Faber) was unable to maintain his lane of travel and exited the east side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 drove into a ditch and over a driveway, colliding with a tree, before rolling onto its side. Vehicle #1 came to an uncontrolled position of rest upright.

The Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Pittsford Fire Department and Regional Ambulance Service.

 

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending.

 

Shaftsbury / Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26B3002315                                              

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jason Danielsen

STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks                             

CONTACT#: 802-442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: 5/9/2026 at 1224 hours

STREET: US Route 7

TOWN: Shaftsbury

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: N/A

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: 20

WEATHER: Raining

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Barrett Weiss

AGE: 33    

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pittsford, NY

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2023

VEHICLE MAKE: Tesla

VEHICLE MODEL: Model 3

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Suspected Minor

HOSPITAL: SVMC

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Mary O'Connor

AGE: 47    

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Londonderry, NY

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2023

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: Truck

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Totaled

INJURIES: Suspected Minor

HOSPITAL: SVMC

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 5/9/2026, at approximately 1224 hours, Vermont Troopers were notified of a crash on US Route 7 near MM 20 in the town of Shaftsbury, VT. Investigation revealed Barrett Weiss (33) was travelling north on US Route 7, when he hydroplaned and entered the southbound lane of travel, colliding with a vehicle being operated by Mary O'Connor (47). Both operators received suspected minor injuries in the crash. The Vermont State Police was assisted by the Shaftsbury Fire Department, Arlington Rescue, and Bennington Rescue. 

Traffic Alert -

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Shaftsbury 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
has in the area of due to a US 7 MM 20/4 is OPEN.

This incident is expected to last for .  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.

Traffic Alert - US Route 7 Shaftsbury

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Shaftsbury 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
US Route 7 Shaftsbury has both lanes obstructed in the area of MM 20.4 due to a crash.

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.

St. Albans Barracks / Request for Information

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

             

CASE#: 26A2002912

TROOPER:  Adam Martin                           

STATION: St Albans Barracks                   

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 05/09/2026 at approximately 0412 hours

LOCATION: Mountain View Drive, VT

VIOLATION: Unlawful Trespass

 

ACCUSED: Under Investigation    

 

VICTIM: Kristie Aamodt

AGE: 51

CITY, STATE, OF RESIDENCE: Swanton, VT                                                                     

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

The Vermont State Police is investigating a trespassing incident that occurred at an address of Mountain View Drive in the Town of Swanton. On May 9^th, 2026, at approximately 0412 hours the Vermont State Police received a call from Kristie Aamodt (51) of Swanton, VT. Aamodt had reported that someone had entered her vehicle and was going through her belongings. Shortly after, the individual left the area and was unable to be located by Troopers. Aamodt was able to capture this incident on her Ring Camera.

  

 Anyone with information on the incident or the individual involved in the video is urged to contact the Vermont State Police St. Albans at 802-524-5993.

 

 

Trooper Adam Martin (221)

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

(802)524-5993

Adam.martin@vermont.gov

 

Royalton Barracks / DUI Drug

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B2002173

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Elisabeth Plympton                      

STATION: VSP Royalton                  

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

DATE/TIME: 05/08/2026 @ 2252 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 107, Royalton

VIOLATION: DUI Drug

ACCUSED: Charles Shepard III                                        

AGE: 67

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Thetford, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police - Royalton Barracks conducted a traffic stop in the town of Royalton. The operator was identified as Charles Shepard III (67). Throughout the interaction, Shepard was displaying signs of impairment. At the conclusion of investigation, Shepard was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and transported to the Royalton Barracks for processing. Shepard was ultimately issued a citation and released.

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 07/07/2026 @ 0830 hours            

COURT: Windsor County Criminal Court

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 to confirm arraignment time.

Trooper Elisabeth Plympton

Vermont State Police

1068 US Route 5, Suite 1

St Johnsbury, VT 05819

(802)748-3111

Derby Barracks/Missing Person Attention Orleans/Rutland/Addison Counties

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE: MISSING PERSON

       

CASE#: 26A5002443

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper James Gallup                          

STATION: Derby Barracks                   

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 5/8/26 at 1139 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Unknown, possibly Orleans, Rutland or Addison Counties, VT

 

 

MISSING PERSON: Stefani Cruz                                               

AGE: 22

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Sanford, NC

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  On 5/8/26 the State Police Derby Barracks received a report of a missing person. Family members of Stefani Cruz called the Vermont State Police to report Cruz was due to travel back to NC on 5/6 but did not board her flight, and has not been heard from since.  Initial investigation suggests concerns for Cruz’s welfare, and that she may be located in the Orleans (Irasburg), Rutland, or Addison County areas.

 

Cruz is described as 5’3” tall, 113 lbs with brown hair and hazel eyes.  Anyone with any information regarding her whereabouts is requested to contact the Vermont State Police at 802-334-8881, attn. case 26A5002443, or leave an anonymous tip at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

Royalton Barracks / DUI Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 21B2002170                                                

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr Ryan Miller

STATION: Royalton                                     

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

 

DATE/TIME: 5-8-26 / 1710

STREET: VT Route 132

TOWN: Sharon

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Cowslip Hill

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER:

WEATHER:         Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Martha Austin

AGE: 67     

SEAT BELT? Unknown

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Sharon, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2025

VEHICLE MAKE: Hyundai

VEHICLE MODEL: Sanat Fe

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: None

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 5-8-26, at approximately 1710, VSP - Royalton responded to a single vehicle crash on VT Route 132 in Sharon near cowslip road. When troopers arrived, they located a vehicle off the road and into the ditch. The operator was identified as Martha Austin or Sharon, VT. During the investigation troopers determined Austin was showing signs of impairment. Austin was arrested and brought to the Royalton barracks for processing where she was issued a citation to appear in Windsor County Criminal Court on 5-26-26 at 0830 for DUI #2.

 

 

 

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Driving on roadways laned for traffic T23 VSA 1038

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A       

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: Windsor County Criminal Court

COURT DATE/TIME: 5-26-26 / 0830      

 

 

 

*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 Ryan Miller & K9 Fynn

Vermont State Police

Royalton Barracks – Troop B

2011 VT Route 107

Bethel, VT 05032

802-234-9933

 

Rutland Barracks / Fatal MV Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26B4003566

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Charles Gardner

STATION: Rutland                           

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: On May 8, 2026, at approximately 1439 hours

STREET: Creek Road

TOWN: Clarendon, Vermont

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: 4422 Creek Road

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry, normal

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Jacob Smith

AGE: 16

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Proctor, Vermont

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2006

VEHICLE MAKE: Volkswagen

VEHICLE MODEL: Passat

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled.

INJURIES: Fatal

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 5/8/2026, at approximately 1439 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were notified of a single vehicle crash on Creek Road in Clarendon.

Through investigation it was determined Operator #1 (Smith) was operating vehicle #1, traveling south on Creek Road. Operator #1 (Smith) failed to maintain his lane of travel and vehicle #1 exited the east side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 subsequently collided head on with a tree. Operator #1 (Smith) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Vermont State Police were assisted by Clarendon Fire Department, Regional Ambulance Service, the Vermont State Police Victim Services Unit, and Carrara’s Services.

Anyone with further information regarding the crash is encouraged to reach out to Tpr Charles Gardner at 802-773-9101 or Charles.gardner@vermont.gov.