STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B4001285
RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Charles Gardner
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101
DATE/TIME: On February 20, 2026, at approximately 1438 hours
STREET: VT RT 22A
TOWN: West Haven
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Long Hill
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Snowing
ROAD CONDITIONS: Snow covered
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Sun-Il Kim
AGE: 43
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: New York, New York
PASSENGER: Steffi Lee
AGE: 39
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: New York, New York
VEHICLE YEAR: 2024
VEHICLE MAKE: Tesla
VEHICLE MODEL: Model Y
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Moderate damage to driver’s side of vehicle.
INJURIES: None reported.
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 2/20/2026, at approximately 1438 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were notified of a single vehicle crash on VT RT 22A in the Town of West Haven.
Through investigation it was determined Operator #1 (Kim) was operating vehicle #1, traveling north on VT RT 22A. Operator #1 (Kim) failed to maintain his lane of travel and vehicle #1 exited the west side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 subsequently collided with a utility pole before coming to an uncontrolled position of rest.
The Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by West Haven Fire Department and Fair Haven Rescue Squad.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending
