STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#:
26A1003692
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Shawn Cavic
STATION:
Williston
CONTACT#: 802-878-7111
DATE/TIME: 05/19/2026 @ 2251 hours
STREET: I-89 N
TOWN: Williston
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Joseph E. Ryan
AGE: 65
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Burlington, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2015
VEHICLE MAKE: Ram
VEHICLE MODEL: 1500
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front End Damage
INJURIES: N/A
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 05/19/2026 at 2251 hours the Vermont
State Police were notified of a wrong way driver traveling North in the
Southbound Lane on Interstate 89 by exit 12 in the town of
Williston. Further reports stated the vehicle was traveling past multiple
exits in the travel lane in the wrong direction. Assisting departments of
Williston PD and Colchester PD advised that the vehicle had struck a guardrail
and came to a stop by exit 16 in the town of Colchester. Troopers arrived on
scene and made contact with the operator, Joseph Ryan (65) of Burlington. It
was determined after roadside investigation that Ryan was not under the
influence. Ryan was then placed under arrest for the charge of Gross Negligent
Operation and transported to the Vermont State Police Barracks in Williston for
processing. At the conclusion of processing Ryan was released with a citation
for the aforementioned charge on June 23rd,2026 at 0830 hours.
LODGED – LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Y
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT: Chittenden County Superior Court
COURT DATE/TIME: 06/23/2026 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.