STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A4001109
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Rodzel
STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-222-4680
DATE/TIME: February 7, 2026, at approximately 0620 hours
STREET: Main St N
TOWN: Wells River, Newbury
CROSS STREETS: US Route 302
WEATHER: Snowing
ROAD CONDITIONS: Black top, snow and ice
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Nicholas LaRose
AGE: 21
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Perkinsville, VT
PASSENGER: Alyssa Vance
AGE: 18
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newbury VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2003
VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet
VEHICLE MODEL: Silverado
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor front end damage
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: N/A
PEDESTRIAN: Michael Arnold
AGE: 42
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Wells River, VT
INJURIES: Suspected Minor
HOSPITAL: Not transported
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On February 7, 2026, at approximately 0620 hours, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were dispatched to a single vehicle crash into a food truck on Main St N in Wells River. Woodsville Ambulance and the Wells River Fire Department responded with Troopers to the scene.
Troopers arrived and determined that Nicholas LaRose (21) was operating his 2003 Chevrolet Silverado east and downhill on US Route 302 approaching Main St N when he lost traction on the snow-covered road. The Chevrolet crossed Main St N and entered the driveway where Hatchbox is located. The Chevrolet came to a point of uncontrolled rest after striking the Hatchbox food trailer. The owner and operator of Hatchbox, Michael Arnold (42), was inside the food trailer at the time of the collision and suffered suspected minor injuries. He was evaluated and treated by EMS and not transported to the hospital.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint ______Person Required to Register________ T23 VSA ___301____
