VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3000375
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Prandini
STATION: Shaftsbury
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: February 1, 2026, 0041 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Rt. 7A / West Mountain Road, Shaftsbury, VT
VIOLATION: DUI #1
ACCUSED: Leah Paulson
AGE: 26
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Petersburgh, NY
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On February 1, 2026, at approximately 0041 hours, Troopers from the Shaftsbury Barracks observed a vehicle committing multiple traffic violations. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was identified as Leah Paulson (26). Miss Paulson was ultimately arrested for suspicion of DUI and was transported to the Shaftsbury Barracks for processing. Miss Paulson was issued a citation and released. She is ordered to appear in Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division on February 23, 2026, at 0830 hours to answer the charge.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: February 23, 2026, 0830 hours
COURT: Bennington
MUG SHOT: 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.
