STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B1002016
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Mark Pepperman
STATION: Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: 802 722 4600
DATE/TIME: 03/13/2026 @ 1603 Hours
STREET: I 91 Southbound
TOWN: Weathersfield
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: Mile Marker 50.6
WEATHER: Cloudy
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: James Russell
AGE: 31
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Burlington, VT
VIOLATION: DUI
VEHICLE YEAR: 2019
VEHICLE MAKE: Kia
VEHICLE MODEL: Sorrento
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front Passenger Side
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police, Westminster Barracks, received a report of a single vehicle crash on I 91 in the town of Weathersfield (Windsor County). While investigating the crash, Troopers detected signs of impairment from the operator. Investigation revealed James Russell, 31, or Burlington VT, had operated his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Russell was arrested and transported to the Hartford Police Department for processing. Russell 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: 06/30/2026 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.
