STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3005923
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Craig Negrin
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: November 3, 2026, at approximately 2142 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: U.S. Route 7, Bennington, Vermont
VIOLATION: Excessive Speed / Negligent Operation
ACCUSED: Simon I. Free
AGE: 22
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 11/03/2026 at approximately 2142 hours, Troopers from the
Vermont State Police – Shaftsbury Barracks were conducting traffic enforcement
on U.S. Route 7 near the Apple Barn and Bake Shop in the Town of Bennington.
The posted speed limit in the area is 50 mph. Troopers observed a vehicle
traveling at a high rate of speed, with RADAR confirming a speed of 98 mph. A
traffic stop was conducted, and the operator was identified as Simon I. Free
(22) of Bennington, Vermont. Free was subsequently arrested and issued a
criminal citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Unit,
Criminal Division, on 12/14/2026 at 0830 hours to answer the charges of
Excessive Speed and Negligent Operation.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: December 14, 2026, at 0830 hours
COURT: Bennington Criminal Division
LODGED – LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
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.