VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3001167
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Craig Negrin
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: (802)442-5421
DATE/TIME: March 24th, 2026, at approximately 1746 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Vermont Route 7A
VIOLATIONS: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Stalking with a Deadly Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Grossly Negligent Operation, Criminal Threatening, and Disorderly Conduct
ACCUSED: Malik O. Hardy
AGE: 25
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont
VICTIM: Tyler J. Bubier
AGE: 22
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 03/24/2026 at approximately 1746 hours, Vermont State Police responded to a be-on-the-lookout (BOL) broadcast from dispatch for a dark Buick with rust on the hood, reportedly driving north on Vermont Route 7A in the Town of Arlington. Dispatch advised that the vehicle was following another vehicle closely and would not pass when the lead vehicle stopped. The driver of the lead vehicle reported that the operator of the Buick was gesturing angrily. Additionally, it was reported that the operator of the Buick was now waving a gun out of the window.
Upon arrival, an investigation ensued, as a result, Malik O. Hardy (25) was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Stalking with a Deadly Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Grossly Negligent Operation, Criminal Threatening, and Disorderly Conduct.
Malik O. Hardy (25) was transported to the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks for processing and lodged at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility. Additionally Hardy was issued Conditions with a citation to appear in the Bennington County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on March 25th, 2026, at 1230 hours.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: March 25th, 2026, at 1230 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility
BAIL: Held Without Bail
MUG SHOT: Attached
*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.
