Search This Blog
March 31, 2026
Saint Johnsbury Barracks / DUI Refusal
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
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.
Royalton Barracks / Multiple Charges
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.
Phone: 802-234-9933
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.
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.
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.
Re: Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington
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
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.
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
Traffic alert – 189 WB in South Burlington
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Williston Barracks / DUI Crash
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A1002467
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Kevin Rea
STATION: Williston Barracks
CONTACT#: (802)878-7111
DATE/TIME: March 30, 2026, at approximately 1650 hours
STREET: Interstate 89 Northbound
TOWN: Williston, VT
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: 82.0
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR / ACCUSED: Jennifer Dawood
AGE: 38
SEAT BELT? YES
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Easthampton, MA
VIOLATION: DUI
VEHICLE YEAR: 2015
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: Rav 4
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
HOSPITAL: UVM Medical Center
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On March 30th, 2026, at approximately 1650 hours, Vermont State Police was dispatched to a single vehicle rollover crash on I-89 Northbound near mile marker 82.0 in the town of Williston.
Preliminary investigation indicated the operator, Jennifer Dawood (38) of Easthampton, MA was traveling north on I-89 in a 2015 Toyota Rav 4 when her vehicle left the roadway and rolled over multiple times in the median. Dawood sustained injuries from the crash and was transported to UVM Medical Center for treatment.
Impairment of the operator was a contributor to the crash. Dawood was arrested for the suspicion of DUI and later issued a citation to appear at the Chittenden County Superior Court on June 9, 2026, at 0830 hours to answer to the charge of DUI.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: NOT INCLUDED
COURT ACTION: YES
COURT: CHITTENDEN
COURT DATE/TIME: June 9, 2026, at 0830 hours
Trooper Kevin Rea
Vermont State Police
3294 St. George Road
Williston, VT 05495
802-878-7111
St. Albans Barracks / Serious Bodily Injury Crash
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A2002000
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jordan Peterson
STATION: St. Albans
CONTACT#: 802-524-5993
DATE/TIME: 3/30/26 @ 1813 hours
STREET: Troy Street
TOWN: Richford
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Liberty St.
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Adam Blodgett
AGE: 20
SEAT BELT? N/A
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fairfax, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2006
VEHICLE MAKE: Suzuki
VEHICLE MODEL: GSX-R600
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Total
INJURIES: Serious bodily injury
HOSPITAL: UVMMC
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Mark McNally
AGE: 62
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Woodbury, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2025
VEHICLE MAKE: International
VEHICLE MODEL: LT62F
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Front-end
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: None
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On the above date and time, troopers with the Vermont State Police St. Albans Barracks responded to Troy Street near the intersection of Liberty Street in Richford following a report of a motorcycle that had crashed into a tractor-trailer unit. Initial reports indicated the motorcycle operator, later identified as 20-year-old Adam Blodgett of Fairfax, was pinned underneath the truck. Fire and rescue personnel were able to free Blodgett and transport him to the hospital, where his condition was reported to be critical but stable.
Initial investigation indicates that Blodgett was operating the motorcycle east on Troy Street when he crossed left of center and collided with the truck, which was traveling west. The operator of the truck, Mark McNally, was not injured.
The cause of this crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact state police in St. Albans at 802-524-5993 or leave an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
The Vermont State Police was assisted on scene by the Richford Fire Department, Richford Ambulance, Enosburg Ambulance and the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
Rutland Barracks / DUI Crash
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B4002455
RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Nathaniel Nevison
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101
DATE/TIME: On 30 March 2026, at approximately 1838 hours
STREET: Creek Rd
TOWN: Clarendon
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Walker Mountain Rd
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry and Unpaved
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR/ACCUSED: Benjamin Bruno
AGE: 44
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: E Wallingford, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2001
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: Tacoma
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: None Reported
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #2
PASSENGER: Heidi Congdon
AGE: 38
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Clarendon
VEHICLE YEAR: 2003
VEHICLE MAKE: Ford
VEHICLE MODEL: F-350
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Significant Damage to the front driver’s fender and bumper
INJURIES: None Reported
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 30 March 2026, at approximately 1838 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were notified of a crash on Creek Rd south of Walker Mountain Rd in the Town of Clarendon. Through investigation it was determined Operator #1 (Bruno) was traveling southbound on Creek Rd when he failed to avoid Vehicle #2, which was parked on the west shoulder of the roadway. Vehicle #2 was occupied by a passenger, Heidi Congdon, 38 of Clarendon and Robert Congdon Sr. , 68 who was operating sap collecting equipment in the bed of the truck at the time of the crash. Vehicle #1 became disabled after striking Vehicle #1 causing it to veer off the west shoulder of the roadway. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. During the investigation, Troopers observed Operator #1 (Bruno) to display several indicators of impairment. Operator #1 (Bruno) was subsequently screened for DUI and processed at the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks. At the conclusion of processing, Operator #1 (Bruno) was released with a citation to appear in Rutland Superior Court Criminal Division at a later date and time.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: 23 VSA 1081 Basic Rule and Maximum Limits
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT: Rutland Superior Court Criminal Divison
COURT DATE/TIME: 18 May 2026 @ 1000 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.
New Haven Barracks / Excessive Speed
Tpr. Timothy Alibozek
Vermont State Police
Crash Reconstruction Team
Underwater Recovery Team
Rutland Barracks
124 State Place
Rutland, VT
Barracks – 802-773-9101