VSP News Releases
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April 1, 2026
St. Johnsbury Barracks / Domestic
Westminster Barracks / VCOR & Unlawful Mischief
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B1002609
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Marie Beland
STATION: Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: (802)722-4600
DATE/TIME: 04/01/2026
INCIDENT LOCATION: US-5, Westminster, Vermont
VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release, Unlawful Mischief
ACCUSED: James R. Rowe
AGE: 54
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Putney, Vermont
VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of
sexual assault or domestic violence.)
AGE:
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 04/01/2026, at approximately 0846 hours, Vermont State Police - Westminster Barracks received a call from a concerned citizen regarding a male walking on US Route 5 in the Putney/Westminster area. Troopers responded to the area and located James R. Rowe, 54, of Putney, Vermont. Rowe was found to be in violation of his court ordered Conditions of Release. Rowe was taken into custody and transported to the Vermont State Police - Westminster Barracks for processing where he caused property damage in excessive of $1000.00. Rowe was cited to appear in Vermont Superior Court - Windham County, Criminal Division on 04/01/2026 at 1300 hours to answer to the charges of Violation of Conditions of Release and Unlawful Mischief.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 04/01/2026
COURT: Vermont Superior Cour - Windham County, Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Attached
Trooper Marie Beland
Vermont State Police
Westminster Barracks
1330 Westminster Heights Rd
Putney, Vermont 05346
Tel: (802)722-4600 x3
Email: marie.beland@vermont.gov
Westminster Barracks / LSA Crash
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B1002585
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Zachary Kunow
STATION: Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-722-4600 X3
DATE/TIME: 03/31/26 at 0819 Hours
STREET: Westminster Rd
TOWN: Putney
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: McKinnon Rd
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Raining
ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Marcy Smith (DOB: 02/18/1958)
AGE: 68
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Alstead, NH
VIOLATION: Leaving the Scene of an Accident
VEHICLE YEAR: 2015
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: Rav 4
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 03/31/26 at approximately 0819 hours, the Vermont State Police- Westminster Barracks was notified of a single vehicle crash involving a dog on Westminster Rd in the town of Putney, Windham County, Vermont. It was reported that the operator left the scene.
An investigation into the crash revealed the operator was Marcy Smith (DOB:02/18/1958). Smith hit a Dog in the road and left the scene. Smith reported to the Westminster Barracks, where she was processed and issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division, on 05/12/2025 at 0830 hours to answer the charge Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
LODGED-LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Y
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT: Windham
COURT DATE/TIME: 05/12/2026 0830 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.
Royalton Barracks / Retail Theft
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B2001532
RANK/TROOPER NAME: Trooper Stacia Geno
STATION: Royalton
CONTACT#: 802-234-9933
DATE/TIME: 03/31/26, 12:15 pm
STREET: Vermont Route 12 South
TOWN: Randolph
VIOLATION: Retail Theft
ACCUSED: Veronica Williams-Caraballo
AGE: 39
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Braintree, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On March 31, 2026, at approximately 12:15 pm, Kinney Drug reported a woman had taken merchandise from the store without paying. Troopers later located the individual, identified as Veromica Williams-Caraballo (39), and recovered the stolen items. Williams-Caraballo was given a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Orange Criminal Division, on 05/20/26 at 0830 hours.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 05/20/26, at 0830 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Orange Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
Trooper Stacia Geno
Vermont State Police
B Troop - Royalton Barracks
2011 VT Route 107
Bethel, VT 05032
(802)234-9933
stacia.geno@vermont.gov
Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault [CORRECTION]
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3001345
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Michael Arel
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 | 0928hrs
INCIDENT LOCATION: Arlington, VT
VIOLATION: Simple Assault
ACCUSED: Michelle D. Mcallister
AGE: 47
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fort Edward, NY
VICTIM: Tiffany E. Desmaris
AGE: 38
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Sandgate, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On the above-mentioned date and time, the Vermont State Police received notification of a citizen dispute that occurred at the Stewart’s Shop located in Arlington, VT. Through investigation, it was discovered that Mcallister (47) put her hands onto Desmaris (38) during a verbal dispute, inflicting pain. Mcallister was later located and issued a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division on June 29, 2026, at 0830 hours.
COURT ACTION: YES
COURT DATE/TIME: 06/29/2026 | 0830 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division
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 Michael Arel
Vermont State Police
“B” Troop – Shaftsbury
96 Airport Road
Shaftsbury, VT 05262
(802) 442-5421
Berlin Barracks / DUI Crash
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A3002537
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jae Farnum-Boylan
STATION: Berlin Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 229-9191
DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 at 2019 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 2, Marshfield
VIOLATION: DUI #1
ACCUSED: Robert Whalen
AGE: 68
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Barre City, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police received a report of a single vehicle crash on US Route 2 in Marshfield. Troopers responded and identified the operator as Robert Whalen. While speaking with Troopers, Whalen displayed signs of impairment. Whalen was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and was transported to the Berlin Barracks for processing. Whalen was released with a citation to appear in Washington Superior Court - Criminal Division to answer to the above charge.
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: 04/16/2026 at 1230 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior- Washington Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Y
March 31, 2026
Saint Johnsbury Barracks / DUI Refusal
Derby Barracks / Violation of Conditions of Release
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A5001709
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Aaron Leonard
STATION: Derby
CONTACT#: 802-334-8881
DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 1854 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Wal-Mart, Derby, VT
VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release
ACCUSED: Michael Riendeau Jr
AGE: 45
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brownington, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police was dispatched to a report of a male passed out in a vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Derby, VT. Responding Troopers and an officer with the Newport Police Department made contact with the male, who was identified as Michael Riendeau Jr, age 45 of Brownington, VT. Riendeau was found to be in violation of a curfew imposed by his Conditions of Release ordered by the Orleans Criminal Court.
Riendeau was arrested without incident and transported to the Derby barracks for processing. Riendeau was released on a citation to appear in Orleans Criminal Court on 04/01/2026 at 12:30PM to answer to a charge of Violation of Conditions of Release.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 4/1/2026 1230PM
COURT: Orleans 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.
Aaron Leonard, Trooper
Vermont State Police – Derby
35 Crawford Road,
Derby, VT 05829
802-334-8881
Berlin Barracks / Motor Vehicle Crash / Multiple Charges
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE #: 26A3002530
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Alyssa Nozka
STATION: Berlin
CONTACT #: (802) 229-9191
DATE/TIME: March 31, 2026 at approximately 1652 hours
STREET: Main St.
TOWN: Waitsfield
WEATHER: Cloudy
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR/ACCUSED: Joseph Hagan
AGE: 47
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bristol, VT
VIOLATION: Driving Under the Influence & Negligent Operation
VEHICLE YEAR: 2019
VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru
VEHICLE MODEL: Legacy
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: Central Vermont Medical Center
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Julian Fairchild
AGE: 20
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Warren, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2020
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: Corolla
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor Rear Damage
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #3
OPERATOR: Eric Baruzzi
AGE: 50
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fayston, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2016
VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet
VEHICLE MODEL: Colorado
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor Rear Damage
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On March 31, 2026, at approximately 1652 hours, Troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to a multi-vehicle crash located near the intersection of Main Street and Bridge St in the town of Waitsfield.
Upon arrival, Troopers observed Vehicle #1, operated by Joseph Hagan (47), inside the first floor of Waitsfield Pottery located on Main Street. Investigation determined that Vehicle #1 was traveling south on Rt 100 when it struck two other vehicles also traveling south (Vehicle #2 and Vehicle #3), then subsequently left the travel portion of the roadway, and collided with the business. The vehicle came to an uncontrolled rest in the first floor of the building causing structural damage.
Joseph Hagan was identified as the operator of Vehicle #1. While speaking with Hagan, Troopers detected indicators of impairment. Hagan was transported to Central Vermont Medical Center to be checked out medically. Probable Cause was determined to screen Hagan for DUI while at the hospital. Upon completion, he was issued a citation to appear in Washington County Superior Court – Criminal Division on April 9, 2026, at 08:30 hours.
No serious injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Troopers were assisted on scene by the Waitsfield Fire Department and the Mad River Valley Ambulance.
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: 04/09/26, 0830 hours
COURT: Washington County Superior Court – Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: NOT 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.
Royalton Barracks / Multiple Charges
Royalton Barracks / DUI Drug
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE: 26B2001535
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Robidoux
STATION: Royalton Barracks
CONTACT: 802-234-9933
DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 at approximately 1503 hours
STREET: VT Route 100
TOWN: Stockbridge
WEATHER: Cloudy
ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Maleki Nichols
AGE: 23
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: No fixed address
VIOLATION: DUI
VEHICLE YEAR: 2007
VEHICLE MAKE: Honda
VEHICLE MODEL: Accord
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: N
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On March 31st, 2026, at approximately 1503 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks responded to a single vehicle crash on VT Route 100 in the town of Stockbridge, Windsor County, Vermont. While investigating the crash, Troopers detected signs of impairment from the operator Maleki Nichols, 23. Nichols was arrested and transported to the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks for processing. Nichols was released with a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division to answer to the charge of Driving Under the Influence.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT: Windsor
COURT DATE/TIME: 05/26/2026 at 0830 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.
Phone: 802-234-9933
RE: VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield
VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield is back open.
Thank you for your patience.
From: Bulger, Michelle
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 6:00 PM
To: AOT - TMC <AOT.TMC@vermont.gov>; DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield
State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Berlin Barracks
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
VT Route 100 by Bridge St in Waitsfield is experiencing delays due to a crash.
This incident is expected to last for at least an hour as crews work to clear the scene. The roadway will be down to one lane during this time frame.
Specific details are not yet available, and updates will be provided as
appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes. Please drive
carefully.
VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield
State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Berlin Barracks
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
VT Route 100 by Bridge St in Waitsfield is experiencing delays due to a crash.
This incident is expected to last for at least an hour as crews work to clear the scene. The roadway will be down to one lane during this time frame.
Specific details are not yet available, and updates will be provided as
appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes. Please drive
carefully.
Traffic Alert - VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield
State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Berlin
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield has one lane obstructed in the area of Bridge Street 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.
Re: Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 3:45 PM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>; DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>; AOT - TMC <AOT.TMC@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Williston Barracks
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
i189 WB has a significant traffic backup all the way to i89 due to a crash on i189 itself.
This incident is expected to last for a short duration, hopefully 30-45 minutes as crews work to remove vehicles involved. Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes. Please drive carefully.
Jared Phillips
Emergency Communications Dispatcher I
Vermont State Police Williston PSAP
3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 802-878-7111
PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173
Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Williston Barracks
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
i189 WB has a significant traffic backup all the way to i89 due to a crash on i189 itself.
This incident is expected to last for a short duration, hopefully 30-45 minutes as crews work to remove vehicles involved. Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes. Please drive carefully.
Jared Phillips
Emergency Communications Dispatcher I
Vermont State Police Williston PSAP
3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 802-878-7111
PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173
Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3001345
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Michael Arel
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 | 0928hrs
INCIDENT LOCATION: Arlington, VT
VIOLATION: Simple Assault
ACCUSED: Michelle D. Mcallister
AGE: 47
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fort Edward, NY
VICTIM: Tiffany E. Desmaris
AGE: 38
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Sandgate, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On the above-mentioned date and time, the Vermont State Police received notification of a citizen dispute that occurred at the Stewart’s Shop located in Arlington, VT. Through investigating, it was discovered that Mcallister (47) put her hands onto Desmaris (38) during a verbal dispute, inflicting pain. Desmaris was later located and issued a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division on June 29, 2026, at 0830 hours.
COURT ACTION: YES
COURT DATE/TIME: 06/29/2026 | 0830 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division
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 Michael Arel
Vermont State Police
“B” Troop – Shaftsbury
96 Airport Road
Shaftsbury, VT 05262
(802) 442-5421