Update: New Haven Barracks / Motor Vehicle Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE #: 26B5001394

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Taylor Demick

STATION: New Haven

CONTACT #: (802) 388-4919

 

DATE/TIME: 04/06/2026, 0742 hours

STREET: Bristol Road

TOWN: Monkton

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: E. View Road

WEATHER: Cloudy

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

VIOLATION: Negligent Operation – Serious Bodily Injury Resulting

 

ACCUSED: Adam P. Premo                                              

AGE: 34

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bristol, Vermont

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On May 11^th, 2026, Adam P. Premo, 34, of Bristol, Vermont, was cited to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division on July 6^th, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. to answer to the charge of Negligent Operation – Serious Bodily Injury Resulting.

 

 

***Initial news release, April 6^th, 2026***             

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE #: 26B5001394

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Taylor Demick

STATION: New Haven

CONTACT #: (802) 388-4919

 

DATE/TIME: 04/06/2026, 0742 hours

STREET: Bristol Road

TOWN: Monkton

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: E. View Road

WEATHER: Cloudy

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Adam P. Premo

AGE: 34

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bristol, Vermont

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2016

VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet

VEHICLE MODEL: Equinox

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front-end contact damage

INJURIES: Suspected moderate injuries

HOSPITAL: University of Vermont Medical Center

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Abagail L. Nicholson-Wemette

AGE: 22

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Middlebury, Vermont

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2015

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Rav4

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Front-end contact damage      

INJURIES: Suspected serious injuries

HOSPITAL: University of Vermont Medical Center

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On April 6^th,  2026, at approximately 0742 hours, Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Bristol Road near the intersection with E. View Road in the Town of Monkton. Investigation revealed V#1 was traveling south on Bristol Road and V#2 was traveling north on Bristol Road. At that time, V#1 entered the northbound lane of travel before colliding with V#2. V#1 came to the position of uncontrolled rest, facing east in the northbound lane of travel. V#2 came to the position of uncontrolled rest, facing south on the northbound shoulder of Monkton Road. Serious injuries resulted.

 

Troopers were assisted on scene by the Middlebury Police Department, Monkton Fire, Bristol Rescue Squad, and Middstate Towing.

 

This investigation is in its early stages, and VSP asks that anyone with information that could assist investigators in this case call the New Haven Barracks at 802-388-4919 or submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

VCVC(s): Pending

COURT ACTION: Pending

 

 

 

 

 

Vermont State Police Watch Commander schedule, May 11-17, 2026

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Watch Commander Schedule for the week of May 11-17, 2026. 

 

Please follow the attached instructions for contacting the Watch Commanders.

 

Watch Commander – North

Capt. Karl Gardner

karl.gardner@vermont.gov

 

 

Watch Commander – South

Lt. Michael Dion

michael.dion@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

 

 

St. Albans Barracks / Multiple charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 26A1003456

RANK/TROOPER NAME: Trooper Jack Skiff                            

STATION: St. Albans Barracks 

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: Beginning at about 11:15 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Interstate 89 northbound, from White River Junction to the Highgate Port of Entry.

VIOLATION: Eluding in a Grossly Negligent Manner (x4), Grossly Negligent Operation, and a multitude of Vermont Civil Traffic Violations.

 

ACCUSED: Duche Romeus                                              

AGE: 30

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Revere, MA

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police began receiving multiple reports of an erratic driver traveling at excessive speeds on Interstate 89 in the Royalton Barracks coverage area. An alert was issued for police to be on the lookout for the vehicle, which was reported to be a silver Toyota Camry with Massachusetts plates.

Troopers from the Williston Barracks observed the vehicle as it continued northbound in Bolton at speeds estimated in excess of 100 mph. Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver evaded troopers at high rates of speed, weaving in and out of traffic. Troopers did not pursue the vehicle due to the inherent risks to public safety. 

Shortly thereafter, troopers from the St. Albans Barracks, joined by members of the Swanton Police Department, encountered the vehicle on I-89 in Franklin County as it continued northbound at over 100 mph. Additional attempts to conduct a motor-vehicle stop were unsuccessful. The vehicle continued until it reached the Highgate border crossing into Canada, where the driver, Duche Romeus, 30, of Revere, Massachusetts, was detained by Canadian customs authorities. 

After being refused entry into Canada, Romeus was released back into the United States and placed under arrest by the Vermont State Police on the above listed charges. Following processing at the St. Albans Barracks, Romeus was ordered jailed for lack of $50,000 bail at Northwest State Correctional Facility. He is scheduled for arraignment at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans. 

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/12/2026 @ 1230 hours.            

COURT: Franklin

LODGED - LOCATION: NWCF    

BAIL: $50,000

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.

St. Albans Barracks / False Information to Police

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

ARREST

 

CASE#: 26A2002959                                            

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Adam Lippa

STATION: St. Albans Barracks                          

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME of Arrest: 05/11/2026 @ 10:58 am

INCIDENT LOCATION: Fisher Pond Rd 

TOWN: St. Albans, VT

VIOLATION: False Info to a Police Officer

 

ACCUSED: Kyrsten St Martin                                              

AGE: 35

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Enosburg, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police stopped a vehicle for a motor vehicle violation on Fisher Pond Rd in St. Albans. Subsequent investigation revealed that the operator, Kyrsten St Martin, had provided a false name and date of birth. She was issued a citation, a ticket for driving with a suspended license and the vehicle was towed from the roadway.

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 06/29/26 @ 8:00am        

COURT: Franklin County

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A 

BAIL:

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.

 

 

St. Johnsbury Barracks / DUI Refusal

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4005081

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper LeBlanc             

STATION:  VSP St. Johnsbury                    

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 05/11/2026 @ 1555 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 302, Groton, VT

VIOLATION: DUI - Refusal

 

ACCUSED: Benjamin Mayberry                          

AGE: 43

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Groton, VT

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: At the above date and time, Troopers with the Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury Barracks, conducted a traffic stop on US Route 302 in the town of Groton, Vermont. Throughout the interaction, the operator, Benjamin Maybery, was displaying signs of impairment. After investigation, Mayberry was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI. Mayberry was transported to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing and ultimately issued a citation and released.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME:  06/1/26 @ 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.

 

 

New Haven Barracks / Multiple Charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE               

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#: 26B5001969

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Taylor Demick

STATION: New Haven

CONTACT#: (802)388-4919

 

DATE/TIME: 05/11/2026 at 1134 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: North Street

TOWN/STATE: Bristol, Vermont

 

VIOLATIONS: DUI #3, Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver’s License, Violation of Conditions of Release, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Possession of Cocaine

 

ACCUSED: David A. Ouellette

AGE: 60

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Waltham, Vermont

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On May 11^th, 2026, at approximately 1134 hours, the Vermont State Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on North Street in the Town of Bristol. The operator was identified as David A. Ouellette (60) of Waltham, Vermont, who fled the scene. Ouellette was later located, where it was discovered that he was in violation of his court-ordered conditions of release. Investigation also revealed Ouellette was required to have an ignition interlock device installed in a motor vehicle that he was in control of.

 

While speaking to Ouellette, Troopers observed indicators of impairment. Ouellette was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI, ignition interlock restricted driver’s license, leaving the scene of an accident, and violation of conditions of release. While searching Ouellette incident to arrest, Troopers located cocaine on his person.

 

Ouellette was transported to the New Haven State Police Barracks for processing and, at the conclusion, was lodged for lack of $10,000 bail at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility with a citation to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division on May 12^th, 2026, at 1230 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/12/2026 at 1230 hours          

COURT: Addison 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 - Vt Route 7A, Shaftsbury

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Shaftsbury 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
Vt Route 7A, Shaftsbury has both lanes obstructed in the area of between White Tail Run (Arlington) and State Park Rd (Shaftsbury) due to a powerline(s) down.

This incident is expected to last for 2-4 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.

Update No. 1: VSP provides update on Norwich death investigation

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police provides update on Norwich death investigation

                                           

NORWICH, Vermont (Monday, May 11, 2026) — As the investigation continues, the Vermont State Police is able to identify the deceased woman as Noel A. Neely, 82, a resident of the home on Douglas Hill Road where the incident occurred.

 

This case remains open and active. The state police is working is in close communication with the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding the details and circumstances of the case. Due to the ongoing investigation, VSP will be releasing no further details at this time.

 

Anyone with information that could assist in this matter is asked to call the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

 

***Initial news release, 8 p.m. 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 -

 

Update No. 1: St. Albans Barracks / Multiple charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 26A1003456

RANK/TROOPER NAME: Trooper Jack Skiff                            

STATION: St. Albans Barracks 

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: Beginning at about 11:15 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Interstate 89 northbound, from White River Junction to the Highgate Port of Entry.

VIOLATION: Eluding in a Grossly Negligent Manner (x3), Grossly Negligent Operation, and a multitude of Vermont Civil Traffic Violations.

 

ACCUSED: Duche Romeus                                              

AGE: 30

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Revere, MA

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The court has amended bail in this case to $25,000 on three counts of eluding in a grossly negligent manner. 

***Initial news release, 6:20 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026***

On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police began receiving multiple reports of an erratic driver traveling at excessive speeds on Interstate 89 in the Royalton Barracks coverage area. An alert was issued for police to be on the lookout for the vehicle, which was reported to be a silver Toyota Camry with Massachusetts plates.

Troopers from the Williston Barracks observed the vehicle as it continued northbound in Bolton at speeds estimated in excess of 100 mph. Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver evaded troopers at high rates of speed, weaving in and out of traffic. Troopers did not pursue the vehicle due to the inherent risks to public safety. 

Shortly thereafter, troopers from the St. Albans Barracks, joined by members of the Swanton Police Department, encountered the vehicle on I-89 in Franklin County as it continued northbound at over 100 mph. Additional attempts to conduct a motor-vehicle stop were unsuccessful. The vehicle continued until it reached the Highgate border crossing into Canada, where the driver, Duche Romeus, 30, of Revere, Massachusetts, was detained by Canadian customs authorities. 

After being refused entry into Canada, Romeus was released back into the United States and placed under arrest by the Vermont State Police on the above listed charges. Following processing at the St. Albans Barracks, Romeus was ordered jailed for lack of $50,000 bail at Northwest State Correctional Facility. He is scheduled for arraignment at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans. 

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/12/2026 @ 1230 hours.            

COURT: Franklin

LODGED - LOCATION: NWCF    

BAIL: $25,000

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.

Update No. 1: VSP provides update on Norwich death investigation

 

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police provides update on Norwich death investigation

                                           

NORWICH, Vermont (Monday, May 11, 2026) — As the investigation continues, the Vermont State Police is able to identify the deceased woman as Noel A. Neely, 82, a resident of the home on Douglas Hill Road where the incident occurred.

 

This case remains open and active. The state police is working is in close communication with the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding the details and circumstances of the case. Due to the ongoing investigation, VSP will be releasing no further details at this time.

 

Anyone with information that could assist in this matter is asked to call the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

 

***Initial news release, 8 p.m. 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 Watch Commander schedule, May 11-17, 2026

 

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Watch Commander Schedule for the week of May 11-17, 2026. 

 

Please follow the attached instructions for contacting the Watch Commanders.

 

Watch Commander – North

Capt. Karl Gardner

karl.gardner@vermont.gov

 

 

Watch Commander – South

Lt. Michael Dion

michael.dion@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

Berlin Barracks / DUI Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A3003768

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Adam Roaldi

STATION: Berlin Barracks                                  

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 05/11/2026 0320 hours

STREET: Interstate 89 Southbound

TOWN: Berlin

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Exit 6

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: 46.8

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry Pavement

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Nickolas Saucedo

AGE: 22

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Sylmar, CA

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2025

VEHICLE MAKE: Mazda

VEHICLE MODEL: CX-30

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor Damage

INJURIES: NO

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 89 Southbound near Exit 6. The operator was identified as Nickolas Saucedo of Sylmar, CA. Investigation determined Saucedo's vehicle crossed over the fog line before leaving the roadway and crashing. While speaking with Troopers, Saucedo displayed signs of impairment. Saucedo was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and was transported to the Berlin Barracks for processing. Saucedo was issued a citation to appear in Washington Superior Court - Criminal Division.

 

 

LODGED: NO

BAIL: NO

MUG SHOT: NO

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT: Washington Superior Court - Criminal Division

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/21/2026 at 1230 hours      

 

 

 

*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.

 

Williston Barracks / Domestic Assault

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A1003426

RANK/TROOPER NAME: Trooper Rea

STATION: Williston

CONTACT#: 802-878-7111

 

DATE/TIME:  05/10/2026 @ 0119 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: North Rd, Hinesburg, VT

 

ACCUSED: Kylie Billado                                

AGE: 36

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hinesburg, VT

VIOLATION: Domestic Assault

 

VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of

sexual assault or domestic violence.)

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On the above date and time, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Williston barracks responded to a reported domestic dispute in Hinesburg, VT.

Investigation revealed Kylie Billado (36) of Hinesburg, VT had inflicted pain on a domestic partner. Billado was transported to the Williston barracks for processing and released with a flash citation to appear in Chittenden County Criminal Court on 5/11/2026 at 08:30 AM to answer to a charge of domestic assault.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/11/2026 08:30 AM          

COURT: Chittenden 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 Kevin Rea

Vermont State Police

3294 St. George Road

Williston, VT 05495

802-878-7111

Kevin.Rea@vermont.gov 

 

Shaftsbury Barracks / Motor Vehicle Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26B3002358                                           

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Craig Negrin

STATION: Shaftsbury                             

CONTACT#: (802)442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: May 10th, 2026, at approximately 2108 hours

STREET: Vermont Route 7A

TOWN: Arlington

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Old West Road

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A

WEATHER: Clear        

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Horace W. Wells Jr.

AGE: 68    

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Shaftsbury, Vermont

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2014

VEHICLE MAKE: GMC

VEHICLE MODEL: Acadia

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Suspected Minor

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Hunter D. Joseph

AGE: 20   

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Manchester, Vermont

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2014

VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet

VEHICLE MODEL: Silverado 1500

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Minor

INJURIES: Suspected Minor

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On 05/10/2026, at approximately 2108 hours, Vermont Troopers were notified of a crash on Vermont Route 7A near Old West Road in the town of Arlington, VT.

 

Investigation revealed Horace W. Wells Jr. (68) was travelling South on Vermont Route 7A when he veered off the roadway and collided with a telephone pole. Subsequently, Hunter D. Joseph (20) ran over the knocked-down telephone pole. Both operators received suspected minor injuries in the crash.

 

The collision also brought down live wires on the roadway, shutting down Vermont Route 7A in the towns of Arlington/Shaftsbury.

 

The Vermont State Police was assisted by the Shaftsbury Fire Department, Arlington Rescue, Green Mountain Power, and Vermont Agency of Transportation.

Traffic Alert - VT Route 7a, Arlington/Shaftsbury

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Shaftsbury 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
VT Route 7a, Arlington/Shaftsbury has both lanes obstructed in the area of Gingerbread Hill Rd due to a crash.

This incident is expected to last for 2-4 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.

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

Stefani Cruz has communicated with family and is safe. Thank you. 

Detective SGT Lyle Decker 

Vermont Stare Police

Troop A

St. Johnsbury Barracks

---

From: Lynch, Daniel via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Friday, May 8, 2026 22:30
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>
Subject: Derby Barracks/Missing Person Attention Orleans/Rutland/Addison Counties

 

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

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.