RE: Traffic Alert - US Route 7, Vergennes

 

Roadway now open

 

John Conway

Emergency Communications Dispatcher I

Vermont State Police

1330 Westminster Heights Road

Westminster, VT 05158

802-722-4600

802-722-4690-FAX

 

From: Deslauriers, Katherine via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Friday, October 9, 2026 3:22 PM
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - US Route 7, Vergennes

 

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
New Haven 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
US Route 7, Vergennes has both lanes obstructed in the area of New Haven 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.

Rutland Barracks / Two-Vehicle Crash

 

STATE OF VERMONT 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 

VERMONT STATE POLICE 

NEWS RELEASE 

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH 

  

CASE#: 26B4007654       

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Sean Mulderry, Trooper Christopher Highbarger 

STATION: Rutland                            

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101 

  

DATE/TIME: On October 9, 2026, at approximately 1013 hours 

STREET: VT Route 133 

TOWN: Pawlet, Vermont 

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Route 30 

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A 

WEATHER: Overcast 

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry 

  

VEHICLE #1 

OPERATOR: Douglas Perkins 

AGE: 69 

SEAT BELT? No 

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pawlet, Vermont 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2007 

VEHICLE MAKE: Dodge 

VEHICLE MODEL: Ram 

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Damage to front of vehicle 

INJURIES: Injury to hand 

HOSPITAL: Rutland Regional Medical Center 

 

VEHICLE #2 

OPERATOR: James Simonds 

AGE: 58 

SEAT BELT? Yes 

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Granville, New York  

 VEHICLE YEAR: 2016 

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford 

VEHICLE MODEL: F-350 

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Damage to front of vehicle 

INJURIES: Head injury 

HOSPITAL: Glen Falls Hospital 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: 

On 10/09/2026, at approximately 1013 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were notified of a two-car crash on VT Route 133 in Pawlet, VT. 

Through investigation, it was determined Operator #1 (Perkins) was operating vehicle #1, traveling west on VT Route 30. Operator #2 (Simonds) was operating vehicle #2, traveling south on VT Route 133. Operator #1 turned onto VT Route 133 and crossed over the centerline, colliding with vehicle #2 as vehicle #2 approached the intersection. 

Vehicle #1 sustained moderate front-end damage from the collision. Vehicle #2 sustained moderate front-end damage from the collision. VT Route 133 was limited to one lane of traffic while responders worked to remove the vehicles. 

The Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Pawlet Fire Department, Washington FAST Squad, and Turk’s Wrecker. 

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending. 

 

Traffic Alert - US Route 7, Vergennes

 

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
New Haven 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
US Route 7, Vergennes has both lanes obstructed in the area of New Haven 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.

Rutland Barracks / School Threat

 

STATE OF VERMONT 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE 

 

CASE#: 26B4007652

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Caden Lockwood

STATION: VSP Rutland Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: 10/09/2026, at approximately 0956 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Otter Valley Union High School, Brandon, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks responded to a reported threat of violence targeting Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon, VT, on 10/09/2026. The source of the threat is unknown at this time. At the time of the threat, the school was not in normal session due to an in-service day. Police have developed no information to suggest the threat is credible and believe it to be a swatting call.

 

Royalton Barracks / Simple Assault

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B2005621

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Nathan Rode                          

STATION: Royalton Barracks                    

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

 

DATE/TIME: 10-3-2026 at approximately 1537 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: 137 Main St, in the Town of Bethel, VT

VIOLATION:

Simple Assault

 

ACCUSED: Sean Coung                                            

AGE: 35

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Philadelphia, PA

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 10-3-2026, at approximately 1537 hours, the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks received a report that a fight occurred in the Town of Bethel, VT. Troopers from the Royalton Barracks responded to the scene. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Sean Coung (35) had committed the offense of simple assault. Coung was taken into custody, transported to the Royalton Barracks, and released with a citation to appear in the Windsor County Criminal Court on 12-1-2026 at 0815 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: - YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 12-1-2026 at 0815 hours          

COURT: WINDSOR

LODGED - NO  

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.

 

Trooper Nathan Rode

Vermont State Police – Royalton Barracks

2011 VT-107

Bethel, VT 05032

Barracks: 802-234-9933

Email: nathan.rode@vermont.gov

 

Royalton Barracks / Disorderly Conduct

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B2005621

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Nathan Rode                          

STATION: Royalton Barracks                    

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

 

DATE/TIME: 10-3-2026 at approximately 1537 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: 137 Main St, in the Town of Bethel, VT

VIOLATION:

Disorderly Conduct

 

ACCUSED: Jason Osborn                                           

AGE: 55

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Ludlow, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 10-3-2026, at approximately 1537 hours, the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks received a report that a fight occurred in the town of Bethel, VT. Troopers from the Royalton Barracks responded to the scene. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Jason Osborn (55) had committed the offense of disorderly conduct. Osborn was taken into custody at the Royalton Barracks and released with a citation to appear in the Windsor County Criminal Court on 12-1-2026 at 0815 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: - YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 12-1-2026 at 0815 hours          

COURT: WINDSOR

LODGED - NO  

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.

 

Trooper Nathan Rode

Vermont State Police – Royalton Barracks

2011 VT-107

Bethel, VT 05032

Barracks: 802-234-9933

Email: nathan.rode@vermont.gov

 

Royalton Barracks / Simple Assault

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B2005621

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Nathan Rode                          

STATION: Royalton Barracks                    

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

 

DATE/TIME: 10-3-2026 at approximately 1537 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: 137 Main St, in the Town of Bethel, VT

VIOLATION:

Simple Assault

 

ACCUSED: Darryl Small-Green                                            

AGE: 33

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bethlehem, PA

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 10-3-2026, at approximately 1537 hours, the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks received a report that a fight occurred in the town of Bethel, VT. Troopers from the Royalton Barracks responded to the scene. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Darryl Small-Green (33) had committed the offense of simple assault. Small-Green was taken into custody, transported to the Royalton Barracks, and released with a citation to appear in the Windsor County Criminal Court on 12-1-2026 at 0815 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: - YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 12-1-2026 at 0815 hours          

COURT: WINDSOR

LODGED - NO  

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.

 

Trooper Nathan Rode

Vermont State Police – Royalton Barracks

2011 VT-107

Bethel, VT 05032

Barracks: 802-234-9933

Email: nathan.rode@vermont.gov

 

Update No. 2: VSP identifies individuals involved in Williston police shooting

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police identifies individuals involved in Williston police shooting

 

WILLISTON, Vermont (Friday, Oct. 9, 2026) — The Vermont State Police is identifying the individuals involved in Thursday’s police shooting on Vermont Route 2A (St. George Road) in Williston.

 

The man who was shot is Michael McGovern, 52, of St. George.

 

The member of the Williston Police Department who shot McGovern is Officer Ethan Favreau. He joined the Williston Police Department in September 2019 after having previously served with the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office. A photo of Officer Favreau is attached to this release.

 

A second officer with the Williston Police Department was on scene at the time the incident occurred but did not fire his weapon. Questions regarding his identity and employment status should be directed to Williston police.

 

The Vermont State Police investigation into this shooting remains active and ongoing. No one is in custody, and no charges have been filed against anyone involved in this incident. Upon completion of the investigation, VSP will turn over the case to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the relevant county’s state’s attorney’s office for independent reviews of the police use of force.

 

VSP will continue to provide updates as the investigation proceeds.

 

 

***Update No. 1, 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026***

The investigation into Thursday morning’s police shooting remains active and ongoing.

 

The man who was shot was treated at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington for a gunshot wound to his hip and subsequently released.

 

The Williston police officer who fired his department-issued handgun was evaluated for a minor injury at the hospital and released. Per protocol, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave.

 

According to initial investigation by the Vermont State Police, the shooting occurred at about 4:50 a.m. when the driver of a car had approached a road hazard, reported as wires down across Route 2A, where Williston police officers had responded and were working in the roadway. The details and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation.

 

State police detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing video including from Williston police cruisers and body-worn cameras, and gathering evidence. The Vermont State Police Crime Scene Search Team processed the location of the shooting, near 5479 St. George Rd., also known as Route 2A. The state road has been closed since the incident occurred but is expected to be re-opened by 4 p.m.

 

Maj. Ashley Barnes, commander of the VSP’s Criminal Division, will be available at the Williston Barracks at 4:45 p.m. to speak with members of the news media regarding this investigation.

 

 

***Initial news release, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026***

The Vermont State Police is investigating after a member of the Williston Police Department shot and injured a man on Vermont Route 2A early Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

 

The man who was shot was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.

 

The shooting occurred shortly after 5 a.m. along the state route between Butternut Road and Old Creamery Road. No details are currently available regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

 

Route 2A is closed between Butternut Road and Old Creamery Road while the investigation proceeds.

 

This investigation is in its earliest stages and includes detectives with the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigations, uniformed troopers from the Field Force Division, the Crime Scene Search Team and the Victim Services Unit. The Vermont Highway Patrol and Shelburne Police Department are providing assistance.

 

The name of the man who was shot will be released following further investigation and notification of relatives.

 

Following standard protocol, the Vermont State Police will withhold the name of the police officer involved for at least 24 hours. At the conclusion of the investigation, VSP will hand over the case to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the relevant county state’s attorney’s office for independent reviews of the legal justification for the use of force.

 

Anyone with information that could assist in this investigation is asked to call the state police barracks in Williston at 802-878-7111 or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

No additional information is currently available. The state police will provide updates as the case develops.

 

- 30 -

Derby Barracks / Obstruction of Justice

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A5005678

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Aaron Leonard                          

STATION: Derby

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME:  09/07/2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Irasburg, VT

VIOLATION: Obstruction of Justice

 

ACCUSED: Jeff Harper                                             

AGE: 60

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Barton, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 09/07/2026 the Vermont State Police was conducting an investigation into a previously reported restraining order violation. A complaint was made at that time that Jeff Harper, age 60 of Barton, VT, had witnessed the violation and coerced the victim against reporting the violation to law enforcement. At the direction of the Orleans County State's Attorney's Office, Harper was cited on 10/6/2026 to appear in Orleans Criminal Court on 11/03/2026 at be arraigned on a charge of Obstruction of Justice.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 11/03/2026 8AM         

COURT: Orleans Criminal Court

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.

 

Aaron Leonard, Trooper

Vermont State Police – Derby

35 Crawford Road,

Derby, VT 05829

802-334-8881

aaron.leonard@vermont.gov

 

 

St. Albans Barracks / Arrest on Warrant

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

             

CASE#: 26A2006725

TROOPER:  Adam Martin                           

STATION: St Albans Barracks                   

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 10/08/2026 at approximately 1919 hours

LOCATION: Hardwood Hill Road Berkshire, VT

VIOLATION: Arrest on Warrant

 

ACCUSED: Kyrsten St. Martin

AGE: 35

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Berkshire, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On October 8^th, 2026, at approximately 1919 hours Troopers from the Vermont State Police - St. Albans Barracks were able to locate Kyrsten St. Martin (35) of Berkshire, VT at an address on Hardwood Hill Road in the Town of Berkshire. St. Martin was known by Troopers to have an active cite and release warrant for her arrest.

 

St. Martin was issued a flash citation ordering St. Martin to appear before the Chittenden County Criminal Court on October 9^th, 2026, at 0830 hours.

 

The active warrant contained the charge of:

 

• 13 VSA 1802 Felony 1 FORGERY - UTTER/PUBLISH AN INSTRUMENT

 

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE: 10/09/2026 at 0830 hours             

COURT: Chittenden County Criminal Court

LODGED – LOCATION: N/A        

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: None

 

 

Trooper Adam Martin (221)

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

(802)524-5993

Adam.martin@vermont.gov

 

Derby Barracks / Crash

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#:             26A5005837                              

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Logan Miller

STATION: Derby                                       

CONTACT#: 802 334 8881

 

DATE/TIME: 10/08/2026 @ 1929 hours

STREET: Lake Rd

TOWN: Newport Center

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Vance Hill Rd

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Thomas Bruno

AGE:  38

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport Center, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2015

VEHICLE MAKE: Volkswagen

VEHICLE MODEL: Golf Sportwagon

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: heavy front end damage

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: North Country Hospital

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police responded to the report of a single vehicle crash at the intersection of Vance Hill Rd and Lake Rd, Newport Center, VT. The operator was identified as Thomas Bruno (38) of Newport Center, VT. Investigation revealed Bruno was traveling east on Vance Hill Rd when the brakes stopped working on his vehicle. Upon going downhill and gaining speed, Bruno was unable to slow down for the T intersection at Lake Rd. Bruno attempted to turn right to avoid the telephone pole, driving off the traveled portion of the roadway. Upon exiting the roadway and off an embankment he crashed into a tree. Bruno was transported the North Country Hospital with minor injuries. Newport Center Fire Department, Newport Ambulance Service and Rays Towing and Recovery were dispatched to assist.

 

 

 

 

Trooper Logan Miller

Vermont State Police

Troop A – Derby Barracks

35 Crawford Road

Derby, Vermont 05829

Logan.Miller@vermont.gov

(802) 334-8881

 

Update No. 1: Berlin Barracks / Fugitive from justice

 

Berlin Barracks / Fugitive from justice

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 26A3008413                           

STATION: Berlin Barracks                    

CONTACT#: 802-299-9191

 

DATE/TIME: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 at 1216 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Vermont Route 100 / Sugarbush Access Road, Warren, VT

 

ACCUSED: Ryan Hanafin                                             

AGE: 22

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

Ryan Hanafin was ordered by the court to be jailed without bail on a charge of being a fugitive from justice. He was transported to the Northeast Regional Correctional Facility in St. Johnsbury and is scheduled to appear for arraignment at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Barre.

 

A booking photo of Hanafin taken by the Vermont State Police is attached to this release.

 

 

***Initial news release, 4:50 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026***

The Vermont State Police arrested a man Thursday afternoon, Oct. 8, 2026, who was wanted in Massachusetts in connection with a homicide investigation.

 

Troopers located and arrested 22-year-old Ryan Hanafin driving on Vermont Route 100 south of the Sugarbush Access Road at about 2:30 p.m., conducted a motor vehicle stop, and arrested him without incident.

 

The VSP investigation began at about 12:15 p.m. Thursday when the Massachusetts State Police notified local authorities that they believed Hanafin was in Vermont and was a person of interest in a homicide that had occurred in Reading, Massachusetts. Troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to the area of Warren, Vermont, where Hanafin was believed to frequent and began searching for him.

 

About two hours later, VSP troopers observed Hanafin and, with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, took him into custody without incident. Hanafin was detained and transported to the Berlin Barracks. Processing is underway, and no details are available at this time about his bail status or initial court appearance.

 

The Vermont State Police is in communication with the Massachusetts State Police as MSP’s investigation continues. VSP will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

 

- 30 -

 

Traffic Alert - Rt 7 & 103 - Clarendon

 

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Rutland 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification

US Route 7 & VT Route 10 in Clarendon is now reopened to all traffic.

Drive safely.

 

Traffic Alert - US Route 7 & VT Route 103, Clarendon

 

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Rutland 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
US Route 7 & VT Route 103, Clarendon has one lane obstructed in the area of Crash is located at the intersection. US 7 is down to one lane at that location, 103 is closed at that location. 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.

St. Johnsbury Barracks / Domestic Assault, Interference with Access to Emergency Services

 

VSP NEWS RELEASE-INCIDENT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#: 26A4010275

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Kyle Gorman

Station: St. Johnsbury

Contact#: (802)-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 10/05/2026 2005 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Kirby, VT

VIOLATION: Domestic Assault / Interference with Access to Emergency Services

 

ACCUSED: Gregory Desrochers

AGE: 60

CITY, OF RESIDENCE: Kirby, Vermont

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were notified of a domestic disturbance in the town of Kirby. Investigation revealed that Gregory Desrochers (60) of Kirby had assaulted a domestic partner and limited their access to call emergency services. Desrochers was located and taken into custody without incident on 10/06/2026 and transported to the Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. Desrochers was brought to arraignment at Caledonia County Court – Criminal Division on 10/06/2026 at 1400 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 10/06/2026 at 1400 Hours       

COURT: Caledonia County Superior Court - Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A   

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N/A

 

 

Trooper Kyle Gorman

Vermont State Police

1068 US Route 5, Suite #1

Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819

(802)-748-3111

 

Williston Barracks / Motor Vehicle Fire

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE FIRE

CASE#: 26A1007618     

   

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Blaz Mihaljevic

STATION: Williston

CONTACT#: (802) 878-7111

DATE/TIME: 10/08/2026 at approximately 1737 Hours

STREET: Interstate 89 NB

TOWN: Colchester

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: MM 93.7

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

SUMMARY OF EVENTS: 

On October 8, 2026, at approximately 1737 hours  the Vermont State Police was notified of a single-vehicle fire on Interstate 89 northbound at mile marker 93.7 in the Town of Colchester.

The initial investigation indicates the fire originated within the vehicle near the center console area. At this time, the cause of the fire is believed to be mechanical and/or electrical in nature. The investigation remains ongoing.

The vehicle was operated by John Mercy, (61) of St. Albans, who was the sole occupant. Mercy was not injured and was able to safely exit the vehicle.

The Colchester Fire Department / St. Michaels Rescue responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. Traffic delays occurred while emergency personnel worked to safely secure the area and clear the roadway. Motorists should continue to expect delays in the area and are asked to use caution and be patient while responding crews complete their work.

The Vermont State Police would like to thank the Colchester Fire Department, Saint Michaels Rescue Colchester Rescue, Handys Towing, and the Colchester Police Department for their assistance with this incident.

Trooper Blaz Mihaljevic

Vermont State Police

3294 St. George Road

Williston, VT 05495

blaz.mihaljevic@vermont.gov 

Fw: Traffic Alert - 89NB

Update: One lane has been re-opened 

---

From: Raymond, Christie <Christie.Raymond@vermont.gov>
Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2026 6:34 PM
To: Mercon, Christopher <Christopher.Mercon@vermont.gov>
Subject: Re: Traffic Alert - 89NB

 

Update: One lane has been re-opened 

---

From: Mercon, Christopher <Christopher.Mercon@vermont.gov>
Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2026 6:14 PM
To: AOT - Road Closures <AOT.RoadClosures@vermont.gov>
Subject: RE: Traffic Alert - 89NB

 

I-89 NB between Exit 16 (Colchester) and Exit 17 (Colchester/Milton) is back OPEN to one lane. Drive with care as crews are still working the fire scene near MM 92.6

 

From: Mercon, Christopher <Christopher.Mercon@vermont.gov>
Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2026 17:49
To: AOT - Road Closures <AOT.RoadClosures@vermont.gov>
Subject: FW: Traffic Alert - 89NB
Importance: High

 

Please see below,

 

From: AOT - TMC <AOT.TMC@vermont.gov>
Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2026 17:48
To: Mercon, Christopher <Christopher.Mercon@vermont.gov>; Beaudet, Roger <Roger.Beaudet@vermont.gov>; Knapp, Ryan <Ryan.Knapp@vermont.gov>; Kilburn, Ian <Ian.Kilburn@vermont.gov>; Rehbein, Erich <Erich.Rehbein@vermont.gov>; Collins, Katrina <Katrina.Collins@vermont.gov>; Garcia, Kadyn <Kadyn.Garcia@vermont.gov>; Woods, Bradley <Bradley.Woods@vermont.gov>
Subject: FW: Traffic Alert - 89NB

 

 

---

From: Deslauriers, Katherine <Katherine.Deslauriers@vermont.gov>
Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2026 5:47:58 PM (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - 89NB

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Williston

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
89NB has both lanes obstructed in the area of From 92.6 due to a fire 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.

Traffic Alert - 89NB

 

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Williston

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
89NB has both lanes obstructed in the area of From 92.6 due to a fire 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.

Berlin Barracks / Fugitive from justice

 

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

CASE#: 26A3008413                           

STATION: Berlin Barracks                    

CONTACT#: 802-299-9191

 

DATE/TIME: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 at 1216 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Vermont Route 100 / Sugarbush Access Road, Warren, VT

 

ACCUSED: Ryan Hanafin                                             

AGE: 22

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Vermont State Police arrested a man Thursday afternoon, Oct. 8, 2026, who was wanted in Massachusetts in connection with a homicide investigation.

 

Troopers located and arrested 22-year-old Ryan Hanafin driving on Vermont Route 100 south of the Sugarbush Access Road at about 2:30 p.m., conducted a motor vehicle stop, and arrested him without incident.

 

The VSP investigation began at about 12:15 p.m. Thursday when the Massachusetts State Police notified local authorities that they believed Hanafin was in Vermont and was a person of interest in a homicide that had occurred in Reading, Massachusetts. Troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to the area of Warren, Vermont, where Hanafin was believed to frequent and began searching for him.

 

About two hours later, VSP troopers observed Hanafin and, with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, took him into custody without incident. Hanafin was detained and transported to the Berlin Barracks. Processing is underway, and no details are available at this time about his bail status or initial court appearance.

 

The Vermont State Police is in communication with the Massachusetts State Police as MSP’s investigation continues. VSP will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

 

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Update No. 1: VSP provides update on Williston police shooting

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police provides update on Williston police shooting

 

WILLISTON, Vermont (Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026) — The investigation into Thursday morning’s police shooting remains active and ongoing.

 

The man who was shot was treated at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington for a gunshot wound to his hip and subsequently released.

 

The Williston police officer who fired his department-issued handgun was evaluated for a minor injury at the hospital and released. Per protocol, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave.

 

According to initial investigation by the Vermont State Police, the shooting occurred at about 4:50 a.m. when the driver of a car had approached a road hazard, reported as wires down across Route 2A, where Williston police officers had responded and were working in the roadway. The details and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation.

 

State police detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing video including from Williston police cruisers and body-worn cameras, and gathering evidence. The Vermont State Police Crime Scene Search Team processed the location of the shooting, near 5479 St. George Rd., also known as Route 2A. The state road has been closed since the incident occurred but is expected to be re-opened by 4 p.m.

 

Maj. Ashley Barnes, commander of the VSP’s Criminal Division, will be available at the Williston Barracks at 4:45 p.m. to speak with members of the news media regarding this investigation.

 

 

***Initial news release, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026***

The Vermont State Police is investigating after a member of the Williston Police Department shot and injured a man on Vermont Route 2A early Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

 

The man who was shot was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.

 

The shooting occurred shortly after 5 a.m. along the state route between Butternut Road and Old Creamery Road. No details are currently available regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

 

Route 2A is closed between Butternut Road and Old Creamery Road while the investigation proceeds.

 

This investigation is in its earliest stages and includes detectives with the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigations, uniformed troopers from the Field Force Division, the Crime Scene Search Team and the Victim Services Unit. The Vermont Highway Patrol and Shelburne Police Department are providing assistance.

 

The name of the man who was shot will be released following further investigation and notification of relatives.

 

Following standard protocol, the Vermont State Police will withhold the name of the police officer involved for at least 24 hours. At the conclusion of the investigation, VSP will hand over the case to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the relevant county state’s attorney’s office for independent reviews of the legal justification for the use of force.

 

Anyone with information that could assist in this investigation is asked to call the state police barracks in Williston at 802-878-7111 or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

 

No additional information is currently available. The state police will provide updates as the case develops.

 

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