VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3005445
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Arel
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: 10/07/2026 | 0008 Hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Readsboro, VT
VIOLATION:
- Aggravated Assault
- Criminal Threatening x2
- Reckless Endangerment
- False Swearing
ACCUSED: Damion T. Stratton
AGE: 27
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT
VICTIM #1: Aiden Bimmler
AGE: 24
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Readsboro, VT
VICTIM #2: Tina L. Drake
AGE: 59
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Readsboro, VT
VICTIM #3: Leonard A. Drake
AGE: 57
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Readsboro, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On October 07, 2026, the Vermont State Police was notified of a dispute in Readsboro which resulting in a firearm being brandished. Damion T. Stratton (27) was identified as a suspect on scene, and after a thorough investigation it was discovered that Stratton had caused fear of bodily harm to multiple residents of Readsboro, and had presented a deadly weapon to Aiden Bimmler (24). Stratton was issued a criminal citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division on October 12th, 2026, at 1230 hours.
COURT ACTION: YES
COURT DATE/TIME: 10/12/2026 | 1230 Hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility (MVRCF)
BAIL: $50,000
MUG SHOT: YES
*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
