VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A5006524
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Ian Alford
STATION: Derby Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-334-8881
DATE/TIME: Late hours of November 12th, 2026
INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 242 in Jay and in other public highways in the towns of Westfield and Lowell.
VIOLATION: Under investigation
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On November 12, 2026, at approximately 1823 hours, the Vermont State Police Derby Barracks received a report of a traffic hazard on Vermont Route 242 in the Town of Jay. The caller reported that triangular metal objects had been placed in the roadway, causing damage to the tires of passing motor vehicles.
Since the initial report, the Vermont State Police has received additional reports of similar objects, commonly referred to as caltrops, being discovered on public roadways in the towns of Jay, Westfield, and Lowell.
Caltrops are sharp, multi-pointed metal objects designed to puncture tires when driven over. Their placement on public roadways poses a significant safety risk to motorists and could result in vehicle damage, loss of control, or serious injury. The Vermont State Police has received six reports of motorists sustaining flat tires after driving over the suspected caltrops.
The Vermont State Police is investigating these incidents and ask motorists traveling through the affected areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activity.
Anyone who encounters a suspected caltrop is urged to exercise caution, avoid handling the object with bare hands, and immediately contact the Vermont State Police. Motorists should not place themselves or others at risk by attempting to retrieve objects from an active roadway.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents, including suspicious activity or individuals who may be responsible, is encouraged to contact Trooper Alford at the Vermont State Police Derby Barracks at 802-334-8881. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at
https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit. The investigation remains ongoing.
