The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police barracks or the public information officer. Please note news releases are available on this blog for at least 30 days following their public release. Releases are generally archived the second month after publication. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older.

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March 31, 2026

Saint Johnsbury Barracks / DUI Refusal

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4003019

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jacob Fox and Trooper Ryan Underhill

STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks                  

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 3/31/2026 at 1811 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Interstate 91 North, Exit 23

VIOLATION: DUI Refusal 

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Jaime Delatorrerodriquez

AGE: 56

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Charleston, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, Vermont State Police received multiple calls from motorists concerning a vehicle operating in an unsafe manner on I-91 North. Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop upon observing multiple traffic violations. Further investigation revealed the operator, Jaime Delatorrerodriquez, had operated a motor vehicle while impaired. Delatorrerodriquez was arrested for suspicion of DUI and transported to the Saint Johnsbury Barracks for processing. Delatorrerodriquez was later issued a citation to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court- Criminal Division and released.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 4/20/2026 at 0830 AM          

COURT: Caledonia County Superior Court - Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A  

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Attached


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Derby Barracks / Violation of Conditions of Release

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A5001709

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Aaron Leonard

STATION: Derby

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 1854 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Wal-Mart, Derby, VT

VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release

 

ACCUSED: Michael Riendeau Jr                                              

AGE: 45

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brownington, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police was dispatched to a report of a male passed out in a vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Derby, VT. Responding Troopers and an officer with the Newport Police Department made contact with the male, who was identified as Michael Riendeau Jr, age 45 of Brownington, VT. Riendeau was found to be in violation of a curfew imposed by his Conditions of Release ordered by the Orleans Criminal Court.

 

Riendeau was arrested without incident and transported to the Derby barracks for processing. Riendeau was released on a citation to appear in Orleans Criminal Court on 04/01/2026 at 12:30PM to answer to a charge of Violation of Conditions of Release.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 4/1/2026 1230PM          

COURT: Orleans Criminal Court

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: INCLUDED

 

*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.

 

Aaron Leonard, Trooper

Vermont State Police – Derby

35 Crawford Road,

Derby, VT 05829

802-334-8881

aaron.leonard@vermont.gov

 

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Berlin Barracks / Motor Vehicle Crash / Multiple Charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE #: 26A3002530

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Alyssa Nozka

STATION: Berlin

CONTACT #: (802) 229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: March 31, 2026 at approximately 1652 hours

STREET: Main St.

TOWN: Waitsfield

WEATHER: Cloudy

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR/ACCUSED: Joseph Hagan

AGE: 47

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bristol, VT

VIOLATION: Driving Under the Influence & Negligent Operation

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2019

VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru

VEHICLE MODEL: Legacy

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: Central Vermont Medical Center

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Julian Fairchild

AGE: 20

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Warren, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2020

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Corolla

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor Rear Damage

INJURIES: None

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

VEHICLE #3

OPERATOR: Eric Baruzzi

AGE: 50

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fayston, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2016

VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet

VEHICLE MODEL: Colorado

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Minor Rear Damage

INJURIES: None

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On March 31, 2026, at approximately 1652 hours, Troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to a multi-vehicle crash located near the intersection of Main Street and Bridge St in the town of Waitsfield.

 

Upon arrival, Troopers observed Vehicle #1, operated by Joseph Hagan (47), inside the first floor of Waitsfield Pottery located on Main Street. Investigation determined that Vehicle #1 was traveling south on Rt 100 when it struck two other vehicles also traveling south (Vehicle #2 and Vehicle #3), then subsequently left the travel portion of the roadway, and collided with the business. The vehicle came to an uncontrolled rest in the first floor of the building causing structural damage.

 

Joseph Hagan was identified as the operator of Vehicle #1. While speaking with Hagan, Troopers detected indicators of impairment. Hagan was transported to Central Vermont Medical Center to be checked out medically. Probable Cause was determined to screen Hagan for DUI while at the hospital. Upon completion, he was issued a citation to appear in Washington County Superior Court – Criminal Division on April 9, 2026, at 08:30 hours.

 

No serious injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

 

Troopers were assisted on scene by the Waitsfield Fire Department and the Mad River Valley Ambulance.

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 04/09/26, 0830 hours

COURT: Washington County Superior Court – Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: NOT INCLUDED

 

*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.

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Royalton Barracks / Multiple Charges

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE
       
CASE#: 26B2001534
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr Clark                              
STATION: Royalton                      
CONTACT#: (802) 234-9933

DATE/TIME: 03/31/26 / 1215hrs
INCIDENT LOCATION: Pleasant St, Randolph
VIOLATION: Arrest on Warrant (X2), Possession of Methamphetamine

ACCUSED: Paul McPhetres                                              
AGE: 38
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Braintree, VT


SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On the above date and time, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks located and identified Paul McPhetres, 38, of Braintree, during a criminal investigation involving a theft in the town of Randolph. During the course of the investigation, McPhetres was found to have multiple in-state arrest warrants for misdemeanor retail thefts in Windsor County and Orange County. McPhetres was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was taken into custody and transported to the Royalton Barracks where he was issued multiple citations for the above charges. McPhetres was ultimately lodged at Southern State Correctional Facility.


COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: 04/01/26 / 1230hrs (warrants) // 06/03/26 / 0830hrs (possession charge)            
COURT: Windsor (warrants) // Orange (possession charge)
LODGED - LOCATION: SSCF    
BAIL: $100
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED




*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.

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Royalton Barracks / DUI Drug

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE: 26B2001535              

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Robidoux

STATION: Royalton Barracks

CONTACT: 802-234-9933

 

DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 at approximately 1503 hours

STREET: VT Route 100

TOWN: Stockbridge

WEATHER: Cloudy

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Maleki Nichols

AGE: 23

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: No fixed address

VIOLATION: DUI

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2007

VEHICLE MAKE: Honda

VEHICLE MODEL: Accord

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: N

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On March 31st, 2026, at approximately 1503 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks responded to a single vehicle crash on VT Route 100 in the town of Stockbridge, Windsor County, Vermont. While investigating the crash, Troopers detected signs of impairment from the operator Maleki Nichols, 23. Nichols was arrested and transported to the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks for processing. Nichols was released with a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division to answer to the charge of Driving Under the Influence.

 

 

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A  

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: Windsor

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/26/2026 at 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.

 

 

Respectfully,

Trooper Michael Robidoux

Vermont State Police

Email: michael.robidoux@vermont.gov

Phone: 802-234-9933

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RE: VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield

VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield is back open.

 

Thank you for your patience.

 

 

From: Bulger, Michelle
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 6:00 PM
To: AOT - TMC <AOT.TMC@vermont.gov>; DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield

 

State of Vermont

Department of Public Safety

Vermont State Police

Berlin Barracks

 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification

 

VT Route 100 by Bridge St in Waitsfield is experiencing delays due to a crash.

 

This incident is expected to last for at least an hour as crews work to clear the scene. The roadway will be down to one lane during this time frame.

 

Specific details are not yet available, and updates will be provided as

appropriate.

 

Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes. Please drive

carefully.

 

 

 

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VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield

State of Vermont

Department of Public Safety

Vermont State Police

Berlin Barracks

 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification

 

VT Route 100 by Bridge St in Waitsfield is experiencing delays due to a crash.

 

This incident is expected to last for at least an hour as crews work to clear the scene. The roadway will be down to one lane during this time frame.

 

Specific details are not yet available, and updates will be provided as

appropriate.

 

Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes. Please drive

carefully.

 

 

 

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Traffic Alert - VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Berlin

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
VT Route 100 by Bridge Street in Waitsfield has one lane obstructed in the area of Bridge Street due to a crash.

This incident is expected to last for 1-2 hours.  Specific details are not yet available, updates will be provided as appropriate.
 
Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.

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Re: Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington

The crash on 189 has been resolved and traffic should be slowly returning to normal rates of flow.

Thank you for your patience.

From: Phillips, Jared W via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 3:45 PM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>; DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>; AOT - TMC <AOT.TMC@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington
 
EXTERNAL SENDER: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize and trust the sender.
State of Vermont

Department of Public Safety

Vermont State Police

Williston Barracks

 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification

 

i189 WB has a significant traffic backup all the way to i89 due to a crash on i189 itself.

 

This incident is expected to last for a short duration, hopefully 30-45 minutes as crews work to remove vehicles involved.  Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.  

 

Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.


Thank you,


Jared Phillips

Emergency Communications Dispatcher I

Vermont State Police Williston PSAP

3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495

Phone: 802-878-7111

PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173

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Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington

State of Vermont

Department of Public Safety

Vermont State Police

Williston Barracks

 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification

 

i189 WB has a significant traffic backup all the way to i89 due to a crash on i189 itself.

 

This incident is expected to last for a short duration, hopefully 30-45 minutes as crews work to remove vehicles involved.  Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.  

 

Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.


Thank you,


Jared Phillips

Emergency Communications Dispatcher I

Vermont State Police Williston PSAP

3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495

Phone: 802-878-7111

PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173

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Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B3001345

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Michael Arel                             

STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks                    

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: 03/31/2026 | 0928hrs

INCIDENT LOCATION: Arlington, VT

VIOLATION: Simple Assault

 

ACCUSED: Michelle D. Mcallister                                              

AGE: 47

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fort Edward, NY

 

VICTIM: Tiffany E. Desmaris

AGE: 38

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Sandgate, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above-mentioned date and time, the Vermont State Police received notification of a citizen dispute that occurred at the Stewart’s Shop located in Arlington, VT. Through investigating, it was discovered that Mcallister (47) put her hands onto Desmaris (38) during a verbal dispute, inflicting pain. Desmaris was later located and issued a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division on June 29, 2026, at 0830 hours. 

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 06/29/2026 | 0830 hours            

COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A     

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Included

 

*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

 

 

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UPDATE: VSP BCI / Death Investigation

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A3002441

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Detective Trooper Robert Lemnah                             

STATION: Berlin Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 3/28/26 at 1526 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Stein's Run at Sugarbush Lincoln Peak, Warren, VT

INCIDENT TYPE: Death investigation

 

VICTIM: Cory Hartman

AGE: 43

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hampton, NH

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Vermont State Police is investigating the death of a skier at Sugarbush Resort in the town of Warren. At about 3:26 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Vermont State Police in Berlin was notified that a skier had died following a fall on Stein's Run at Sugarbush Lincoln Peak. Subsequent investigation identified the skier as Cory Hartman (43) of Hampton, NH. The investigation determined Hartman fell and slid into a wooded area off the trail.

 

Hartman was found unresponsive by ski patrol members, who brought him to the base of the mountain, where they were met by the Mad River Valley Ambulance. Hartman was pronounced deceased due to his injuries.

 

The death does not appear suspicious. An autopsy was performed at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington to determine the cause and manner of death.

 

No further information is available at this time.

 

 

Det. Trooper Robert Lemnah

Vermont State Police 

Bureau of Criminal Investigations - Berlin 

578 Paine Turnpike North

Berlin, VT 05602

802-229-9191

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Berlin Barracks // Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A3002425              

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Dalton Maenpaa

STATION: VSP Berlin                              

CONTACT#: (802) 229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 03/28/2026 @ 0500 hours

STREET: Bridge St

TOWN: Waitsfield

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: The Covered Bridge

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Fine

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Thomas Wiegel

AGE: 56

SEAT BELT? N/A

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Waitsfield, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2021

VEHICLE MAKE: Jeep

VEHICLE MODEL: Grand Cherokee L

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Water Damage

INJURIES: N/A

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On the above date and time, at the above listed location, the Vermont State Police received a report of a single motor vehicle crash involving a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The registered owner, Thomas Wiegel called to report that while parked, his vehicle fell out of gear and rolled into the river. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the crash and there were no injuries reported.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Shaftsbury Barracks / Multiple Charges

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

        

CASE#: 26B3001342

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Craig Negrin                             

STATION: Shaftesbury Barracks                     

CONTACT#: (802)442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: March 30th, 2026, at 2330 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Vermont Route 313 West, Arlington, Vermont

VIOLATION: DUI #1 & Resisting Arrest

 

ACCUSED: Leroy E. Bellows                                               

AGE: 45

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Arlington, Vermont

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On the above date and time, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks responded to a report of a fight. Employees at Stewart’s in the Town of Arlington contacted dispatch to report a large altercation involving multiple intoxicated males. 

 

Upon arrival, an investigation ensued, as a result, Leroy E. Bellows (45) was arrested for Suspicion DUI and Resisting Arrest.

 

Subsequently, Leroy E. Bellows (45) was transported to the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks for processing. Bellows was later released on a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, on April 20th, 2026, at 0830 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: April 20th, 2026, at 0830 hours           

COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A 

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: INCLUDED

 

*Please note:  court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of

the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm the arraignment time.

 

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