Castleton Police Department & VSP Rutland Barracks / Threat investigation

 

STATE OF VERMONT 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

and

CASTLETON POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26CT002438

OFFICER: Castleton Police Chief Peter Mantello

STATION:  Castleton PD

CONTACT#: 802-468-5012

 

DATE/TIME: March-April 2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Vermont State University – Castleton Campus

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Castleton Police Department and the Vermont State Police, with the assistance of other law-enforcement agencies, has identified an individual responsible for multiple threats targeting the Vermont State University – Castleton Campus. On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the individual was determined to be a minor located out of state and was contacted by the municipal police department serving that community. Investigation determined that the minor used social media on March 28, April 18 and April 30 to threaten violence on campus. The investigation determined the minor did not have the means to carry out the threats.

 

Castleton PD and the VSP worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Vermont Intelligence Center and Vermont State University safety personnel on the investigation.

 

Due to the age of the individual involved, no further information is available.

 

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St Johnsbury/ Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

CASE#: 26A4004503                   

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jason Haley

STATION: VSP St Johnsbury           

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

DATE/TIME: 04/29/26, at approx. 1124 hours

STREET: Scott Hwy

TOWN: Groton

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: 1724 Scott Hwy

WEATHER: Sunny

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Kortney Darling

AGE: 16  

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Groton, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2014

VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru

VEHICLE MODEL: Impreza

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front Driver's side

INJURIES: None reported

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Timothy Derby

AGE:  46    

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Groton, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2015

VEHICLE MAKE: Jeep

VEHICLE MODEL: Cherokee

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Front Passenger side

INJURIES: None reported

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On the attached date and time, members of the Vermont State Police responded to a reported two-vehicle crash on Scott Highway in the town of Groton.

Upon arrival, both vehicles involved had been moved from the roadway and were parked in separate driveways.

Investigation revealed that Darling (16) was exiting a driveway and entered Scott Highway, failing to yield to Derby (46), who was traveling westbound. As a result, the two vehicles collided, causing damage to both.

COURT ACTION: No

Trooper Jason Haley

Vermont State Police

St Johnsbury Barracks

802-748-3111

 

Derby Barracks / Crash Negligent Operation

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#:             26A5002288

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jacob Shores

STATION: Derby                                       

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 04/29/2026 @ 1716 hours

STREET: VT Route 58

TOWN: Brownington

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Baird Rd

WEATHER: Dry and sunny

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Donald Champigny

AGE: 42

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Troy, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2001

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: Ranger

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front End Damage

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Kelly Cowles

AGE: 59

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Albany, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2021

VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru

VEHICLE MODEL: Outback

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Front End Damage

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: North Country Hospital

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 04/29/2026 at 1716 hours the Vermont State Police along with the Orleans Fire Department and Orleans Ambulance received a report of a two-car head on crash at the above location. Investigations revealed that Vehicle 1 operated by Donald Champigny had crossed the center line into the opposing lane while traveling east and collided with Vehicle 2 head on operated by Cowles. Champigny was issued a citation to appear in Orleans Superior Court for Negligent Operation along with  VCVCs for Driving On Roadways Laned For Traffic, Misuse Of Number Plates and Operating Without Liability Insurance. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic T23 VSA 1038

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Misuse Of Number Plates T23 VSA 513

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Operating Without Liability Insurance T23 VSA 800(a)

 

LODGED – LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: Orleans County Superior Court

COURT DATE/TIME: 06/18/2026     0800 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.

 

 

Trooper Jacob Shores

Vermont State Police

Troop A – Derby Barracks

35 Crawford Road

Derby, Vermont 05829

Jacob.Shores@vermont.gov

(802)-334-8881

 

Rutland Barracks / MV Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26B4003361                        

RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Hayley Mears

STATION: Rutland                           

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101

 

DATE/TIME: On April 30^th, 2026, at approximately 1232 hours

STREET: US Route 7

TOWN: Pittsford

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Chapel Hill Rd

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A

WEATHER: Rainy

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Nikolai Fortune

AGE: 18

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brandon, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2014

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: Focus

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Significant 

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: N/A

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 4/30/2026, at approximately 1232 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police- Rutland Barracks were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Route 7 in Pittsford.

Through investigation, it was determined that Operator #1 (Fortune) was operating vehicle #1 while traveling north on Route 7. Operator #1 (Fortune) failed to maintain his lane of travel and exited the roadway. Operator #1 (Fortune) sustained minor injuries from the crash.

 

The Vermont State Police were assisted by the Pittsford Fire Department & Rutland Regional Ambulance Service.

 

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending

 

 

St. Albans Barracks / DUI Drugs

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#: 26A2002715

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Cody Bellinghiri

STATION:  St. Albans              

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

 

DATE/TIME: 04/30/2026 at approximately 1341 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7 / Oakland Station Road in the town of Georgia

VIOLATION: DUI

 

ACCUSED: April Haller-Daskalides              

AGE: 58

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Franklin VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 30^th, 2026 at approximately 1341 hours the Vermont State Police received a report of a single vehicle crash on US Route 7 near Oakland Station Road in the town of Georgia. Troopers responded to the scene and identified the operator as April Haller-Daskalides (58) of Franklin, VT. While speaking with Haller-Daskalides, Troopers observed signs of impairment and subsequently placed her under arrest for suspicion of DUI drugs. She was later released with a citation to appear in the Franklin County Superior Court on June 29^th, 2026 at 0800 hours.  

 

Trooper Cody Bellinghiri

Vermont State Police – St. Albans

140 Fisher Pond Road

St. Albans, VT 05468

(802) 524-5993

 

New Haven Barracks / VCOR

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#: 26B5001813

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Klara Calderon-Guthe

STATION: New Haven

CONTACT#: (802) 388-4919

 

DATE/TIME: 4/30/26 1333 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Addison, VT

VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release

 

 

ACCUSED: Gary Norris

AGE: 67

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Addison, VT

 

VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of

sexual assault or domestic violence.)

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 4/30/26 at approximately 1333hours, Troopers with the New Haven Barracks were notified of a possible violation of conditions of release. The investigation revealed Gary Norris (67) of Addison was found to be in violation of his court ordered Conditions of Release. Norris was subsequently issued a citation to appear at the Vermont Superior Court, Addison Criminal Division 06/01/2026 at 1230 hours, to answer to the above charge.

 

  

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME 06/01/25 at 1230 hours

COURT: Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: NOT AVAILABLE

 

*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 Klara Calderon-Guthe

Vermont State Police – New Haven

2490 Ethan Allen HWY

New Haven, VT 05472

802-388-4919

Shaftsbury Barracks / Multiple Charges

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B3002124

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Arel                            

STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks                    

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: 04/30/2026 | 1650 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Forest Heights, Shaftsbury

VIOLATION:

• DUI #1 – Refusal
• Reckless Endangerment
• Negligent Operation

ACCUSED: James A. Salerno                                              

AGE: 41

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Shaftsbury, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On April 30, 2026, at approximately 1650 hours, Troopers received a complaint of an intoxicated operator leaving a daycare in the Town of Shaftsbury, VT. A Trooper located the motor vehicle on Forest Heights in the Town of Shaftsbury, VT and initiated a traffic stop. Speaking with the operator a young child was observed in the back seat of the motor vehicle, and Salerno (41) displayed multiple indicators of impairment and was subsequently placed into custody and transported to the Vermont State Police – Shaftsbury Barracks. The child was returned home, and Salerno was released with a criminal citation for to appear in the Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division on May 18th, 2026, at 0830 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 05/18/2026 | 0830 hours           

COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A    

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: AVAILABLE

 

*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

 

 

Berlin Barracks / Simple Assault

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A3003419

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Ryan Normile                             

STATION: Berlin Barracks                    

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 04/30/2026 @ 1057 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Trombly Trailer Park, Northfield, VT

VIOLATION: Simple Assault

 

ACCUSED: Joseph Smith                                               

AGE: 48

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Barre, VT

 

VICTIM: William Dickinson

AGE: 29

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Northfield, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police received notification of a citizen dispute that occurred at the Trombly Trailer Park in the Town of Northfield. Through investigation, it was discovered that Joseph Smith (48) of Barre, VT caused bodily injury to William Dickinson (29) of Northfield, VT. Smith was issued a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court - Washington Criminal Division on June 18, 2026, at 0830 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 06/18/2026 @ 0830 hours            

COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Washington 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. 

 

St. Albans Barracks | Motor Vehicle Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE NUMBER: 26A2002705           

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Seth Boudreau

STATION: St. Albans

CONTACT#: 802 524 5993

 

DATE/TIME: 04/30/2026 at 0555

STREET: US Route 2

TOWN: Alburgh

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Center Bay Rd

WEATHER: Light Rain              

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Robert Sawyer

AGE: 19

SEAT BELT? Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Albans, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2012

VEHICLE MAKE: Hyundai

VEHICLE MODEL: Accent

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Substantial front end damage

INJURIES: Moderate

HOSPITAL: Northwestern Medical Center

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

At 0555 hours on April 30, 2026, the Vermont State Police, Alburgh Fire, and Alburgh Rescue responded to a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of US Route 2 and Center Bay Road.

 

The vehicle was traveling southbound when the operator crossed northbound lane of US Route 2 and exited the roadway off the northbound shoulder, striking a utility pole before coming to rest against a tree. The operator,  Robert Sawyer, was transported to Northwestern Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

 

Trooper Seth Boudreau 

Vermont State Police 

St. Albans Field Station

140 Fisher Pond Rd. 

St. Albans, VT 05478

802 524 5993