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.
