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June 18, 2026

St. Johnsbury Barracks / Two Vehicle Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A4006393                                              

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Rodzel

STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks                                       

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: June 15, 2026, at approximately 1553 hours

STREET: US Route 5 S

TOWN: Newbury

CROSS STREETS: Moore Hill Rd

WEATHER:        Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Black top, dry

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Werner Hegemann

AGE: 69    

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newbury, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2005

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Tacoma

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: None

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Michael Gusha

AGE: 51      

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bradford, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2013

VEHICLE MAKE: Chevy

VEHICLE MODEL: Silverado

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Moderate front end damage

INJURIES: None

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On June 15, 2026, at approximately 1553 hours, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded to a reported two vehicle crash on US Route 5 S near Moore Hill Rd in Newbury. Troopers determined a Toyota Tacoma suffered a mechanical failure resulting in the loss of brakes. The Toyota began to go off the West side of the road. The operator of the Toyota, Werner Hegemann, turned East to get back onto the road, resulting in a collision with a Chevrolet Silverado being operated by Michael Gusha. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Hegemann was issued a VCVC for violation of Title 23 VSA 1222.

 

Troopers were assisted by members of the Newbury Fire Department and Woodsville Ambulance.

 

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint _____7132485_____ T23 VSA ___1222____