STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#:
25B3001980
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Arel
STATION: Shaftsbury
Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: 05/19/2025 | 1840 hours
STREET: Vermont Route 346
TOWN: Pownal
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: North Pownal Road
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Michael B. Starkey
AGE: 44
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hoosick Falls, NY
VIOLATION:
- DUI #3
- Gross Negligent
Operation
- Driving w/
Criminally Suspended License (DLS) #5
- Leaving the Scene of an
Accident (LSA)
VEHICLE YEAR: 2004
VEHICLE MAKE: Honda
VEHICLE MODEL: CR-V
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Disabling Front End Damage
INJURIES: None Reported
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Wendy S. Gipp
AGE: 64
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Williamstown, MA
VEHICLE YEAR: 2023
VEHICLE MAKE: Mazda
VEHICLE MODEL: CX-30
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Disabling Front End Damage
INJURIES: None Reported
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On the above-mentioned date and time, the Vermont State
Police along with the New York State Police were performing a joint cross
border safety checkpoint and directed patrol on New York Route 346 and Vermont
Route 346, respectively. New York State Troopers observed Starkey (44) approach
a set checkpoint in New York and turned around. New York State Troopers
attempted to initiate a traffic stop with a display of lights and siren,
however Starkey failed to yield fleeing over the state border into Vermont.
Starkey traveling at a high rate of speed failed to navigate an intersection
with due regard nor obey a yield sign, striking Gipp (64) at the intersection
of Vermont Route 346 and North Pownal Road. The collision occurred in the
presence of Vermont State Troopers, who observed that Starkey was attempting to
flee the scene. Troopers detained Starkey, rendered aid on scene, and initiated
an investigation. Vermont State Troopers discovered that Starkey was showing
signs of alcohol impairment and had a criminally suspended license. Starkey was
issued a citation to appear before the Vermont Superior Court – Bennington
Division on June 30, 2025, at 0830 hours to answer for the charges of DUI
refusal, gross negligent operation, driving with a criminally suspended license,
and leaving the scene of the accident.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Operation on Approach of
Emergency Vehicles T23 VSA 1050(a)
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Unreasonable and Imprudent
Speed for Conditions and Hazards T23 VSA 1081(a)
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Vehicle Approaching or
Entering Intersection T23 VSA 1046
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Yield Sign T23 VSA 1048(c)
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: YES
COURT ACTION: YES
COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Division
COURT DATE/TIME: 06/30/2025 | 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.
--
Trooper
Michael Arel
Vermont
State Police
“B” Troop
– Shaftsbury
96 Airport
Road
Shaftsbury,
VT 05262
(802)
442-5421
