STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A2006777
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Weed
STATION: St Albans
CONTACT#: 802 524 5993
DATE/TIME: 10/11/2026 @ 0024 hours
STREET: Shawville Rd
TOWN: Sheldon
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Heather Ln
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Caleb Chates
AGE: 22
SEAT BELT? No
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Richford, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2020
VEHICLE MAKE: Ford
VEHICLE MODEL: F-150
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: heavy front end damage
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: Northwestern Medical Center
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: NONE
AGE: N/A
SEAT BELT? N/A
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: N/A
VEHICLE YEAR: 2025
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: Rav-4
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: heavy front end damage
INJURIES: Moderate
HOSPITAL: Northwestern Medical Center
SUMMARY OF CRASH: On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Shawville Rd near Heather Ln in the town of Sheldon. During the investigation Troopers learned that Op1, 22 year old Caleb Chates, had been operating his vehicle East on Shawville Rd when he failed to navigate a sharp corner. V1 impacted with a vehicle parked on the shoulder (V2) causing damage to both vehicles. Two occupants inside of V2 sustained moderate injuries and were transported to the Northwest Medical Center via ambulance. Chates was also transported to the Northwest Medical Center for treatment of his injuries and was processed under suspicion of DUI. All persons involved in the crash were later released from the hospital.
At this time the case is pending further investigation.
Troopers were assisted on scene by Sheldon Fire, AmCare, and Missisquoi Ambulance.