STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE
POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A4011035
RANK/TROOPER FULL
NAME: Trooper Benjamin
Goodwin
STATION:
St.
Johnsbury
CONTACT#:
802-748-3111
DATE/TIME:
10/31/2026 at 0004 hours
INCIDENT
LOCATION: VT Route 244, Fairlee VT
VIOLATION: DUI
& Reckless Endangerment
ACCUSED: Ava
Smith
AGE: 20
CITY, STATE OF
RESIDENCE: Topsham, VT
VICTIM: Savannah
Nutter
AGE: 19
CITY, STATE OF
RESIDENCE: Thetford, VT
SUMMARY OF
INCIDENT: On 10/31/2026, at approximately 0004 hours, Troopers from the Saint
Johnsbury State Police Barracks were on routine patrol in the town of Fairlee,
VT. Troopers observed several moving violations which resulted in a traffic
stop on Smith’s vehicle. Indicators of impairment were detected and Smith was
taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. Smith was transported to the Bradford
Outpost for processing and released on a citation for DUI and the Reckless
Endangerment of her passenger.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME:
11/18/2026 at 0830
hours
COURT: Orange
County Superior Court-Criminal Division
LODGED -
LOCATION: NA
BAIL: NA
MUG SHOT: NA
*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.