Updated Press Release:
On August 27, 2026, the investigation into a series of
break-ins and vehicle thefts continued, resulting in 46-year-old Joseph
Greenwood being charged with two counts of Grand Larceny, two counts of
Aggravated Operation Without Owner’s Consent, three counts of Unlawful Trespass
into a Motor Vehicle, and six counts of Violation of Conditions of Release.
Additionally, 26-year-old Katie Ricker was charged with
False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities.
Greenwood is expected to be arraigned in Caledonia Superior
Court on August 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
Original Press Release:
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#:
26A4008823
26A4008830
26LV001373
26SJ004339
AGENCIES INVOLVED:
Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury
Lyndonville Police Department
St. Johnsbury Police Department
Caledonia Sheriff’s Department
CONTACT#: 802-748-3111
DATE/TIME: Multiple Dates and Times
INCIDENT LOCATION: Multiple businesses, Repair Shops
and Dealerships in the St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville Area
ACCUSED: Joesph
Greenwood
AGE: 46
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury, VT
VIOLATIONS: Aggravated Operation without Owners
Consent (multiple), Violation of Conditions of Release, and more pending.
ACCUSED: Katie
Ricker
AGE: 26
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury Vermont
VIOLATIONS: Accessory Aiding in the Commission of a
Felony, Unlawful Trespass into a Motor Vehicle, Impeding
VICTIM: Multiple Businesses, Repair Shops and
Dealerships
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury and
Lyndonville Area
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
Multi-Agency Investigation and Arrests
Over the past several weeks, the Vermont State Police,
Lyndonville Police Department, and St. Johnsbury Police Department have been
investigating multiple break-ins at businesses, as well as vehicle break-ins
and vehicle thefts in the St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville areas.
On August 25, 2026, just before 1:00 p.m., the Lyndonville
Police Department responded to the VFW in Lyndonville for a report of a
suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers located a silver
Honda Civic that had been reported stolen from a local dealership. Further
investigation revealed that the vehicle had a New Hampshire registration plate
affixed to it that had been on another vehicle that had been reported stolen at
a local repair shop.
Officer Gerrish of the Lyndonville Police Department
attempted to stop the vehicle, but the operator fled. Shortly after the initial
attempt to stop the stolen vehicle, the male operator and female passenger fled
from the vehicle on foot. The male operator was taken into custody by officers
from the Lyndonville Police Department.
A large police presence was subsequently established in the
Lyndonville area as members of the Lyndonville Police Department, Vermont State
Police, and Caledonia County Sheriff's Department searched for the female
passenger. Despite extensive efforts, officers were unable to locate her on
August 25. However, through their investigation, Troopers and officers
identified the female as 26-year-old Katie Ricker of the St. Johnsbury area.
The male operator was identified as 46-year-old Joseph
Greenwood. Greenwood was initially held on $25,000 bail as a result of charges
brought by the Lyndonville Police Department, St. Johnsbury Police Department,
and Vermont State Police.
On August 26, 2026, at approximately 8:55 a.m., Detective
Sergeant Cleary of the St. Johnsbury Police Department located Ricker on
Railroad Street in St. Johnsbury and took her into custody. Ricker was
subsequently charged by Vermont State Police with Accessory Aiding in the
Commission of a Felony and Unlawful Trespass into a Motor Vehicle. She was also
charged with Impeding by Lyndonville Police Department. She was ordered held on
$5,000 bail.
Greenwood was also arraigned on August 26, 2026. The court
ordered Greenwood held on $5,000 bail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges
against Ricker and Greenwood are anticipated as the Vermont State Police and
other law enforcement agencies continue investigating the series of break-ins
and vehicle thefts.
No further information is available at this time.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 8/27/2026 at
12:30
COURT: Caledonia
LODGED - LOCATION: Northeast Correctional Complex
BAIL: $5,000
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
