STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A4001148
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Matthew Salazar
STATION: St. Johnsbury
CONTACT#: 802-748-3111
DATE/TIME: 02/08/2026 @ 1900 hours
STREET: 2777 Scott Hwy
TOWN: Ryegate
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Church Street
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Light Snow
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Mathew Costa
AGE: 38
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Peacham, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2015
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: RAV 4
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: Yes
HOSPITAL: Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 02/08/2026 at approximately 1900 hours, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded to a report of single-vehicle rollover located on US 302 by Church Street in the Town of Ryegate. Troopers identified the operator of the vehicle as Mathew Costa (38) of Peacham, VT. While speaking with Costa, Troopers detected indicators of impairment. Costa was transported to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.
Costa was released from the hospital and subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence and transported to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. He was issued a citation and released. He is ordered to appear in Caledonia County Superior court on 02/23/2026 at 0830 hours.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Y
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT: Caledonia County Superior Court
COURT DATE/TIME: 02/23/2026 at 0830 AM
*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 Matthew Salazar
Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury
1068 US-5 #1
St. Johnsbury Vermont 05819
(802)-748-3111
