Rutland Barracks / Multiple Charges

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

  

CASE#: 26B4006663

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Christopher Highbarger

STATION: Rutland

CONTACT#: 802-773-9101

DATE/TIME:  09/01/2026 @ 0743 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Multiple locations, Pittsford, VT

ACCUSED: Jeremie Bernard                                 

AGE: 42 

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pittsford, VT

 

(The Vermont State Police does not release the names of sexual assault or domestic violence victims.)

VIOLATION:

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault and Robbery, Domestic Assault, Attempted Escape, Aggravated Disorderly Conduct, Disorderly Conduct

  

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On 09/01/2026, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks received a report of a man who was obstructing traffic on Route 7 in Pittsford. Troopers were advised that the situation had escalated and that the man had become assaultive. Troopers arrived on scene and took Jeremie Bernard into custody for domestic assault. Through investigation, Troopers discovered that Bernard had committed the crimes of Domestic Assault, Aggravated Disorderly Conduct, and Assault and Robbery, Disorderly Conduct. While being processed at the Rutland Barracks, Bernard attempted to escape custody and attempted to assault a Trooper.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/02/2026 @ 1230 hours          

COURT: Rutland County Superior Court

LODGED - LOCATION: Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility

BAIL: N

MUG SHOT: N

Shaftsbury Barracks / Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26B3004861                                              

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jason Danielsen

STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks                             

CONTACT#: 802-442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: 9/1/2026 at 0640 hours

STREET: US Route 7

TOWN: Shaftsbury

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: MM 18

WEATHER: Raining

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Dana Pratt

AGE: 34     

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2012

VEHICLE MAKE: Nissan

VEHICLE MODEL: Pathfinder

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: SVMC

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 9/1/2026, at approximately 0640 hours, Vermont Troopers responded to a single vehicle crash on US Route 7 in the town of Shaftsbury, VT. Investigation revealed that Dana Pratt (34) was travelling north in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder when he hydroplaned, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle rolled onto the shoulder. Pratt sustained suspected minor injuries in the crash. The Vermont State Police was assisted the Bennington Rescue and the Shaftsbury Fire Department.

 

 

COURT ACTION: No

Berlin Barracks / Single Vehicle Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A3007344                                 

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Ryan Normile

STATION: Berlin Barracks                             

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 09/01/2026 at 1431 hours

STREET: I89 near MM 64.4

TOWN: Waterbury        

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Kayla Groves

AGE: 32

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Burlington, VT

 

PASSENGER 1: James Russell

AGE: 32

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Burlington, VT

 

PASSENGER 2: Juvenile

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2005

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Sienna

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Suspected minor

HOSPITAL: UVMMC

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 09/01/2026, at approximately 1431 hours, Troopers were notified of a single vehicle crash on I89 near MM 64.4 in the town of Waterbury. Investigation revealed that Kayla Groves (32) of Burlington, VT was traveling north on I89 when she lost control of Vehicle #1 due to a defective tire. Vehicle #1 left the roadway, overturned, and came to rest off the northbound shoulder. Groves sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to UVMMC. Neither passenger sustained injuries.

 

The Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by members of the Waterbury Fire Department and Waterbury Ambulance Service. I89 was limited to one lane of travel for approximately one hour while the investigation was conducted.

 

VCVC: Pending

COURT ACTION: NO

COURT DATE/TIME: N/A

COURT: N/A

MUGSHOT: N/A   

 

Rutland Barracks / Domestic Assault, Resisting Arrest

STATE OF VERMONT 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 

VERMONT STATE POLICE 

NEWS RELEASE 

 

CASE#: 26B4006664 

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Caden Lockwood                                 

STATION: Rutland                      

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101 

 

DATE/TIME: 09/1/2026 

INCIDENT LOCATION: Wells, Vermont 

VIOLATION: Domestic Assault / Resisting Arrest 

 

ACCUSED: Heidi Baron 

AGE: 34 

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Wells, VT 

 

(The Vermont State Police does not release the names of sexual assault or domestic violence victims.) 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 09/01/2026, at approximately 0626 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks responded to a family fight / domestic on Saw Mill Hill Rd, in Wells, VT. Through investigation, it was revealed that Heidi Baron (34) caused pain and injury to a family member. Baron attempted to flee on foot and resisted arrest. Baron was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody. 

 

Baron was brought to Rutland Superior Court, Criminal Division, to appear before a judge. 

 

 

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A  

BAIL: N/A 

MUG SHOT: No 

COURT ACTION: Yes 

COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Criminal Division 

COURT DATE/TIME: Pending 

 

*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 / Violation of Conditions of Release

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A2005697

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Christopher Blanco                  

STATION: St. Albans   

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 08/30/2026 at 1134 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Swanton, Vermont

 

ACCUSED: Mark Maskell Jr.

AGE: 39

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Swanton, VT

VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 08/30/2026, the Vermont State Police received information that Mark Maskell (39) had violated his conditions of release regarding his curfew. Troopers later located Maskell in the Town of Highgate and determined he was in violation of his conditions of release. Maskell was transported to the St. Albans Barracks for processing. He was issued a criminal citation and transported to Northwest State Correctional Facility, where he was lodged on $5000 Bail. Maskell was scheduled to appear in Franklin County Superior Court - Criminal Division on 08/31/2026 at 1300 hours.

 

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 08/31/2026 at 1300 hours

COURT: Franklin County

LODGED - LOCATION: Northwest State Correctional Facility

BAIL:  $5,000

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 Christopher Blanco

Vermont State Police – St. Albans

140 Fisher Pond Road

St. Albans, VT 05468

(802) 524-5993

 

New Haven Barracks / Arrest on Warant

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#: 26B5003824

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Josh Gurwicz

STATION: New Haven Barracks

CONTACT#: (802) 388-4919

 

DATE/TIME: 8/31/2026 / 1127 Hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: New Haven, VT

VIOLATION: Arrest on Warrant

 

ACCUSED: Kevin Langlais

AGE: 44

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland City, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 8/31/26 at approximately 1127 hours, Troopers from the New Haven Barracks were on a routine patrol in the Town of New Haven, VT. Troopers conducted a motor vehicle stop and made contact with a passenger, Kevin Langlais (44). Troopers found that Langlais had an outstanding in-state warrant. Langlais was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Addison County Court - Criminal Division for arraignment. 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 8/31/26, 1230 hours

COURT: Addison 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 arraignment time.

St. Johnsbury Barracks / Unlawful Trespass

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4009092

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Riley Fenoff                           

STATION: St. Johnsbury              

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 08/31/2026 at 0735 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: St. Johnsbury, Vermont

 

ACCUSED: Nicole Balch

AGE: 36

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury, VT

VIOLATION: Unlawful Trespass

 

VICTIM: Ronald Nelson

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 08/31/2026 at approximately 0735 hours Troopers from the Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury Barracks were dispatched to the report of an unlawful trespass into a residence in the Town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Investigation revealed that Nicole Balch (36) had entered upon the residence of Ronald Nelson (53) without his permission to do so. Troopers placed Balch under arrest for the offense of Unlawful Trespass. Balch was issued a citation to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court - Criminal Division on 09/01/2026 at 1230 hours.

 

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/01/2026 at 1230 hours

COURT: Caledonia County

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 Riley Fenoff

Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury

1068 US-5 #1

St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819

(802) 748-3111

 

Vermont State Police Watch Commander schedule, Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, 2026

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Watch Commander Schedule for the week of Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, 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. Dan Hall

daniel.hall@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

 

 

Royalton Barracks / DUI Drug

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B2004896

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Trinity Poole                        

STATION: Vermont State Police – Royalton Barracks                   

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

 

DATE/TIME: 08/30/2026 @ approximately 2133 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 12 / Watershed Rd, Bethel, VT

VIOLATION: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) - Drug

 

ACCUSED: Robert P. Vogt                                            

AGE: 64

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Cortlandt Manor, NY

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On the above date and time, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Royalton Barracks conducted a traffic stop for observed violations near the above location. While interacting with the operator, identified as Robert Vogt age 64 of Cortlandt Manor, New York, Troopers observed indicators of impairment. Vogt was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI – Drug, transported to the Royalton Barracks, and later released with a criminal citation to appear at the below time, date, and location.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 10/27/26 @ 0830

COURT: Windsor County Superior Court - Criminal Division

MUG SHOT: See attached

 

 

*Please note:  court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of

the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time.

Westminster Barracks / DUI

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B1007706

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Victor Elias                       

STATION: Westminster Barracks             

CONTACT#: (802) 722-4600

 

DATE/TIME: August 30, 2026, at 1818 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Vermont Route 11, Londonderry, Vermont

VIOLATION: Driving Under the Influence

 

ACCUSED: Sophie K. Hewitt                                       

AGE: 36

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hobart, New York

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On August 30th, 2026, at 1818 hours, a Troopers from the Westminster State Police Barracks responded to the report of single vehicle crash on Vermont Route 11, in Londonderry, Windham County, Vermont. After speaking with the operator, Sophie K. Hewitt, (36) of Hobart, New York, Trooper detected signs of impairment. Hewitt was subsequently arrested and transported to the Westminster Barracks for processing. Hewitt was processed and cited to appear in the Vermont Superior Court - Windham Criminal Division on September 15th, 2026 at 0830 hours to answer to the charge of Driving Under the Influence.

 

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE/TIME: September 15th, 2026  at 0830      

COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Windham Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: YES

 

 

Vermont State Police

Westminster Barracks

1330 Westminster Heights Rd

Putney, Vermont 05346

802-722-4600

Williston Barracks / Negligent Operation

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A1006598

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Brandon Sweet                           

STATION: Williston Barracks                 

CONTACT#: (802) 878-7111

 

DATE/TIME: August 30, 2026 at approximately 2342 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Interstate 89 North, MM 88 South Burlington

VIOLATION:

-             Negligent Operation

 

ACCUSED: Bran James

AGE: 20

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hull, MA

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: 

 

On August 30, 2026 at approximately 2342 hours, a Trooper assigned to the Williston Barracks observed a northbound traveling vehicle operating at a high rate of speed on Interstate 89 in the area of mile marker 88 in the town of South Burlington.  The vehicle’s speed was recorded to be 104 mph in the posted 55 mph zone, known as the Safety Corridor.  A traffic stop was conducted and the operator of the vehicle was identified as Bran James (20) of Hull, MA.

 

James was subsequently issued a citation to appear at the Chittenden County Superior Court on October 08, 2026 at 0830 hours to answer to the charge of Negligent Operation.  James was issued a Vermont Civil Violation Complaint for Title 23 1004 – Interstate Speed.  $724, 2 points.

             

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: October 08, 2026 at 0830 hours       

COURT: Chittenden

LODGED - LOCATION: No    

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.

St. Albans Barracks / Single Motor Vehicle Crash

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A2005700                                           

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Carson Cowhig

STATION: St. Albans Barracks                                        

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: August 30th, 2026 @ 1724 hours

STREET: Fairfield Road

TOWN: Fletcher

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Spaulding Road

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry, Blacktop

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Kara Gomez

AGE: 42   

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Jeffersonville, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2025

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Tacoma

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: Northwestern Medical Center

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On August 30th, 2026, at approximately 1724 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police - St. Albans Barracks responded to a single motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of 715 Fairfield Road in the Town of Fletcher.

 

Investigation revealed that Kara Gomez (42) of Jeffersonville, VT, was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash. Gomez left the roadway to the left ultimately overturning onto the passenger side of the vehicle. Minor injuries were reported and Gomez was transported to Northwestern Medical Center in the town of St. Albans where she was evaluated for suspected minor injuries.

 

The Vermont State Police was assisted on scene by Fairfax Rescue, Fairfax Fire Department, and Stone's Towing.

 

Trooper Carson Cowhig

Vermont State Police – St. Albans

140 Fisher Pond Road

St. Albans, VT 05468

(802) 524-5993

Derby Barracks / Single vehicle crash

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A5005009                                

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jesse Nash

STATION: Derby                                         

CONTACT#: 802 334 8881

 

DATE/TIME: 08/30/2026 @ 0409 Hours

STREET: VT Route 105

TOWN: Brunswick

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Stone Dam Rd

WEATHER: Clear           

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Ryen Bowling

AGE: 23   

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Barton, VT.

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2019

VEHICLE MAKE: Honda

VEHICLE MODEL: HR-V

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: non-life-threatening

HOSPITAL: Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital.

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 08/30/2026, at approximately 0409 hours, Vermont State Police Derby Barracks were notified of a single vehicle crash with possible injuries on VT Route 105 in the Town of Brunswick, VT. Investigation revealed, Ryen Bowling (23) from Barton VT was traveling east on VT Route 105, left the roadway to the left ultimately striking multiple trees. Minor injuries were reported and Bowling was transported to Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, NH. Vermont State Police was assisted by the Brighton Fire Department, Groveton EMS and Greniers Towing.

 

Trooper Jesse Nash

Vermont State Police

Troop A – Derby Barracks

35 Crawford Rd

Jesse.Nash@Vermont.Gov

(802) 334-8881

Royalton Barracks / Request for Information

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B2004907

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Trinity Poole                     

STATION: Royalton Barracks                

CONTACT#: (802) 234-9933

 

DATE/TIME: 08/30/26 Approximately 2000-0000 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: 802 Credit Union - 96 N. Main St Rochester, VT

VIOLATION: Grand Larceny and Access to Computer for Fraudulent Purposes

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 08/31/26 at 1247hrs, Vermont State Police in Royalton received a report from 802 Credit Union that their ATM was broken into and $18,420 was stolen. This occurred on 8/30/26 between the hours of 2200-0000 hours. The male was seen wearing a red hoodie and black pants. His photo is attached.

 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks at (802) 234-9933 or submit a tip via the link below.

 

https://vsp.vermont.gov/prevention/tipsubmit

Rutland Barracks / Aggravated Assault

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE #: 26B4006608

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Ryan Gardner                                

STATION: Rutland                     

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: August 29, 2026, at approximately 1808 hours.

INCIDENT LOCATION: Killington Avenue / Notch Road, Mendon, Vermont

VIOLATION: Aggravated Assault

 

ACCUSED: Rachele Kyhill

AGE: 25

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, Vermont

 

VICTIM: Peter Mueller

AGE: 53

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, Vermont

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On August 29, 2026, at approximately 1808 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks received a report of a citizen dispute that occurred in the area of Killington Avenue and Notch Road in the Town of Mendon, Vermont. Through investigation, Troopers developed probable cause that Rachele Kyhill, while armed with a deadly weapon, threatened to use said deadly weapon on Peter Mueller. Kyhill was located the following day, taken into custody, and transported to the Rutland Barracks for processing.

 

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A  

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Yes

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Criminal Division

COURT DATE/TIME: August 31, 2026, at 12:30 PM

             

*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.