Search This Blog
January 7, 2026
Re: Traffic Alert- Milton / Georgia Town Line on US Route 7
Sent: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 4:42 PM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>; DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>; AOT - TMC <AOT.TMC@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert- Milton / Georgia Town Line on US Route 7
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
St. Albans Barracks
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
This is a courtesy notice on behalf of St. Albans Central Dispatch, for Milton Police.
Us Route 7 N in the Town of Milton near Box 209 (just north of Edgewater Terrace, and south of Equestrian Lane, next to the Georgia Town Line) is fully shut down in the NB direction while crews work to remove a vehicle from a crash.
This incident is expected to last only about 15 or so minutes. Please contact St. Albans Central Dispatch for details, and update on the re-opening of the roadway will be provided as appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes. Please drive carefully.
Jared Phillips
Emergency Communications Dispatcher I
Vermont State Police Williston PSAP
3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 802-878-7111
PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173
Traffic Alert- Milton / Georgia Town Line on US Route 7
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
St. Albans Barracks
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
This is a courtesy notice on behalf of St. Albans Central Dispatch, for Milton Police.
Us Route 7 N in the Town of Milton near Box 209 (just north of Edgewater Terrace, and south of Equestrian Lane, next to the Georgia Town Line) is fully shut down in the NB direction while crews work to remove a vehicle from a crash.
This incident is expected to last only about 15 or so minutes. Please contact St. Albans Central Dispatch for details, and update on the re-opening of the roadway will be provided as appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes. Please drive carefully.
Jared Phillips
Emergency Communications Dispatcher I
Vermont State Police Williston PSAP
3294 St. George Rd Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 802-878-7111
PSAP Fax: 802-878-3173
Westminster Barracks / MV Crash
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B1000192
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Marie Beland
STATION: Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: (802)722-4600x3
DATE/TIME: 01/07/2026 at approximately 0854 hours
STREET: Vermont Route 30
TOWN: Newfane
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Depot Road
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER:
WEATHER: Snow/Sleet
ROAD CONDITIONS: Slush/Ice/Snow covered
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Julia O. Shaw
AGE: 49
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newfane, Vermont
VEHICLE YEAR: 2024
VEHICLE MAKE: Hyundai
VEHICLE MODEL: Santa Cruz
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Deborah L. Johnson
AGE: 68
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Northfield, Massachusetts
VEHICLE YEAR: 2018
VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet
VEHICLE MODEL: Equinox
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Totaled
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 01/07/2026, at approximately 0854 hours, Vermont State Police responded to a reported two-vehicle crash at the intersection of VT-30 and Depot Road in the Town of Newfane, Vermont. Investigation revealed that a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, traveling southbound on VT-30, lost control and struck a vehicle that was stopped at the stop sign on Depot Road. The vehicle that was struck was a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox owned by Adventure Limousine Inc. and was being operated as a school transportation vehicle. The Equinox was operated by Deborah L. Johnson, 68 of Northfield, Massachusetts. There was one student passenger on board at the time of the crash, who sustained no injuries. The Hyundai Santa Cruz was operated by Julia O. Shaw, 49, of Newfane, Vermont. Both operators and the passenger were wearing seatbelts and both vehicles sustained airbag deployment. Johnson sustained minor injuries and was transported to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital by Rescue Inc. Shaw was evaluated at the scene and declined transport. Dummerston Fire Department assisted on scene. The Hyundai Santa Cruz was towed from the scene by Marlboro Towing & Collision; the Chevrolet Equinox was towed from the scene by Rod’s Mobil. Road conditions at the time of the crash were snow/ice/slush covered and it was actively snowing. The speed of the Hyundai Santa Cruz was too great for the existing roadway conditions, which is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
LODGED – LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
COURT ACTION: N/A
COURT: N/A
COURT DATE/TIME: N/A
*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 Marie Beland
Vermont State Police
Westminster Barracks
1330 Westminster Heights Rd
Putney, Vermont 05346
Tel: (802)722-4600 x3
Email: marie.beland@vermont.gov
St. Johnsbury / Leaving the Scene of an Accident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A4000189
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jason Danielsen
STATION: St. Johnsbury
CONTACT#: 802-748-3111
DATE/TIME: 1/7/2026 at approximately 0630 hours
STREET: Memorial Drive
TOWN: St. Johnsbury
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Center Tower
WEATHER: Snowing
ROAD CONDITIONS: Snow covered
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Connor Cassidy
AGE: 21
SEAT BELT? No
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury
VEHICLE YEAR: 2005
VEHICLE MAKE: Honda
VEHICLE MODEL: Civic
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Moderate
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: NA
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Roxanne Truhart
AGE: 64
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Concord, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2017
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: 4-Runner
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Moderate
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: NA
SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 1/7/2026, at approximately 0630 hours, Vermont Troopers were notified of a two vehicle crash on Memorial Drive near Center Tower in the town of St. Johnsbury, VT. Investigation revealed that a Connor Cassidy (21) pulled out of the Center Tower parking lot and did not yield to Roxanne Truhart, who was travelling north on Memorial Drive, causing the two vehicles to collide. After the collision, Cassidy fled the scene. Investigation concluded that Cassidy was the operator at the time of the crash. Cassidy was later located and issued a citation for Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
LODGED - LOCATION: NA
BAIL: NA
MUG SHOT: No
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT: Caledonia Criminal Court
COURT DATE/TIME: 2/9/2026 at 0830 hours
*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.
Williston Barracks / Wrong-way driver crashes into VSP trooper
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
CASE#: 26A1000138
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Omar Bulle, Sgt. Derek Rolandini
STATION: Williston Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-878-7111
DATE/TIME: 1:36 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
STREET: Interstate 89
TOWN: Colchester, VT
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: Exit 17
WEATHER: light snow
ROAD CONDITIONS: Snow, slush, and ice
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Robert Anson
AGE: 61
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Mechanicsville, VA
VIOLATION: DUI and Gross Negligent Operation
VEHICLE YEAR: 2021
VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet
VEHICLE MODEL: Silverado
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front driver’s side
INJURIES: None
HOSPITAL: UVMMC
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Trooper Jae Farnum-Boylan
AGE: 28
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE: Berlin Barracks
VEHICLE YEAR: 2021
VEHICLE MAKE: Ford
VEHICLE MODEL: Explorer VSP cruiser
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Front driver’s side
INJURIES: None
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
At about 1:36 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, VSP Williston received a report of a wrong-way driver on Interstate 89 in Williston. Multiple reports confirmed a vehicle was traveling north in the southbound lane of travel.
The vehicle continued northbound in the southbound lanes, passing exits 13 through 16 while at times narrowly missing crashing into oncoming traffic. Trooper Jae Farnum-Boylan was traveling in the southbound lanes by Exit 17 in Milton, with emergency lights and siren fully activated. As the vehicle approached it traveled straight toward the trooper. The wrong-way vehicle, now traveling at slow speed, collided with the front driver’s side of the fully marked VSP cruiser.
The operator, identified as Robert Anson of Mechanicsville, Virginia, was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. While in custody, Anson displayed signs of impairment. He was transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center by Colchester Rescue as a precaution. Neither Anson nor Trooper Farnum-Boylan was injured in the crash.
Anson was cited to appear 8:30 a.m. Feb. 19, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Burlington to answer charges of DUI and Gross Negligent Operation.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Not available
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT: Criminal Division, Vermont Superior Court, Burlington
COURT DATE/TIME: 8:30 a.m. Feb. 19, 2026
*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.
Shaftsbury Barracks / Crash - Serious Injury
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 25B3000094
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Arel
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-442-5421
DATE/TIME: 01/07/26 at approximately 0554
STREET: Burrington Rd
TOWN: Pownal
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: US Route 7
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Snowing
ROAD CONDITIONS: Snow Covered
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Unknown
AGE:
SEAT BELT:
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:
PASSENGER: Billie Jean Adams
AGE: 31
SEAT BELT: Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pownal. VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 1994
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: Camry
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: Major
HOSPITAL: SVMC
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 01/07/26 at approximately 0554 hours, the Vermont State Police-Shaftsbury Barracks was notified by State Dispatch of a single vehicle crash in the area of 824 Burrington Rd in the Town of Pownal, VT. It was reported that the passenger was trapped, and the operator was missing.
Upon arrival, Adams was extricated from the vehicle and sustained serious bodily injuries. Adams was then transported to SVMC for emergent care, then to the Albany Medical Center.
Early investigations show the 1994 Toyota Camry was traveling north on Burrington Road toward US Route 7 when it veered off the roadway and struck a tree head-on. At this time, the vehicle's operator is unknown.
VSP asks anyone with information, including businesses or people in the area who might have video of the roadway, to contact the Shaftsbury Barracks at 802-442-5421. Anonymous tips can be provided online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
--
Trooper Michael Arel
Vermont State Police
“B” Troop – Shaftsbury
96 Airport Road
Shaftsbury, VT 05262
(802) 442-5421
Williston Barracks/Vehicle Break-ins
Tpr. Tyler Silva & K9 Axel
Vermont State Police
A Troop-Williston
3294 St. George Road
Williston, Vermont 05495
Tel: 802-878-7111
Westminster Barracks / VCOR
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B1000185
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Victor Elias
STATION: Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 722-4600
DATE/TIME: January 7, 2026 at 0007 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Old Depot Road, Putney, VT
VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release
ACCUSED: Christopher Garland
AGE: 43
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Putney, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On January 7, 2026, at approximately 0007 hours, the Vermont State Police received notification of a domestic dispute on Old Depot Road, in the Town of Putney, Windham County, Vermont. Through investigation, Troopers determined Christopher Garland (43), of Putney, Vermont, had knowingly violated court ordered Conditions of Release. Garland was issued a citation to appear before the Vermont Superior Court - Windham Criminal Division on January 7, 2026, at 1230 hours to answer to the charge of Violation of Conditions of Release.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: January 7, 2026 at 1230 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Windham Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
*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.
Derby Barracks / Simple Assault & Disorderly Conduct
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A5000010
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Sgt. Joshua Mikkola
STATION: Derby
CONTACT#: 802-334-8881
DATE/TIME: 01/01/2026 1208 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: S. Pleasant St. Troy, VT
VIOLATION: Simple AssaultX3, Disorderly Conduct
ACCUSED: Ryan Bathalon
AGE: 40
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Westfield, VT
VICTIM: Denis Bathalon
AGE: 68
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport Town, VT
VICTIM: Ethan Bathalon
AGE: 35
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Westfield, VT
VICTIM: Robert Bathalon
AGE: 66
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Westfield, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 01/01/2026, at approximately 1208 hours, the Vermont State Police were advised of a male who was fighting other family members at a property on S. Pleasant Street in the Town of Troy, VT. Troopers responded and met with the complainant, witnesses and parties involved who reported Ryan Bathalon, 40, of Westfield VT was assaulting other family members and engaged in a violent, tumultuous, and threatening behavior. No major injuries were reported. Prior to law enforcement arrival, it was learned Ryan left the scene but was later located at his residence and taken into custody for the offenses of simple assault X3 and disorderly conduct. Ryan was transported to the Derby Barracks where he was processed and later released with a citation to appear in court.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 01/27/2026 0830 hours
COURT: Criminal Division, Vermont Superior Court, Newport
LODGED - LOCATION: No
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
January 6, 2026
Rutland Barracks / DUI
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B4000102
RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jakubowski
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101
DATE/TIME: January 6, 2026, at approximately 1932 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Route 4, Mendon, VT
VIOLATION: DUI
ACCUSED: Aaron Grammer
AGE: 42
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Williamstown, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On January 6, 2026, at approximately 1932 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police were notified of potentially impaired motorist traveling on US Route 4 in Mendon, VT. Troopers ultimately located the vehicle on VT Route 100 in Killington and conducted a traffic stop. Troopers identified the operator as Aaron Grammer. Throughout the interaction, Grammer displayed signs of impairment. Grammer was subsequently arrested for DUI and transported to the State Police Barracks in Rutland for processing. Grammer was released with a citation to answer for the charge of DUI at the Rutland Superior Court Criminal Division at a later date and time.
Troopers were assisted by the Rutland Town Police Department and the Rutland City Police Department.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT: Rutland Superior Court, Criminal Division
COURT DATE/TIME: January 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM
*Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm the arraignment time.
St Johnsbury/Fugitive From Justice
News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A4000166
RANK/TROOPER: Sergeant Brennan
STATION: VSP - St. Johnsbury
CONTACT#: 802-748-3111
DATE/TIME: 01/03/26 1157 AM
INCIDENT LOCATION: Bradford Rest Area on Interstate 91, Bradford, VT
VIOLATION: Fugitive from Justice
ACCUSED: Jose Ruano
AGE: 41
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Miami, FL
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 1/6/26 at approximately 1157 hours State Police received a call that there was a male passed out in a parked vehicle with a machete on his lap at the northbound Bradford Rest Area on Interstate 91. Troopers responded to the scene and made contact with the occupant of the vehicle identified as Jose Ruano(41). Subsequent investigation revealed Ruano had an extraditable warrant out of Florida for felony grand theft. State Police confirmed with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office that they were willing to extradite Ruano back to Florida. Ruano was arrested and transported to the Bradford Outpost where he was processed. Bail and conditions were imposed by the Orange County Criminal Court where Ruano is scheduled to appear tomorrow at 1230pm. He was lodged at NERCF for lack of $25,000 bail.
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: 1/7/2026 at 12:30 PM
COURT: Orange County Superior Court - Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: Yes, NERCF
BAIL: $25,000
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.
Sergeant Sean Brennan
Patrol Commander
VSP St Johnsbury Troop “A”
802-748-3111
1068 Us Route 5 Suite #1
St Johnsbury, VT 05819
Westminster Barracks / Request for information - Special Attention Newfane area
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B1000173
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Marie Beland
STATION: Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: (802)722-4600
DATE/TIME: Reported on 01/06/2026, at approximately 1145 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Dover Road, Newfane, Vermont
VIOLATION: TBD
ACCUSED: UNKNOWN
AGE: UNKNOWN
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: UNKNOWN
VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of
sexual assault or domestic violence.)
AGE:
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: The Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks is seeking the public’s assistance regarding the theft of approximately one-half cord of firewood from a residence located on Dover Road in the town of Newfane. The theft occurred sometime during the overnight hours between January 5th, and January 6th, 2026. Troopers are asking anyone who may have observed suspicious activity in the area of Dover Road during this time frame, or may have information regarding the theft, to contact the Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks at (802)722-4600 or via e-mail at marie.beland@vermont.gov . Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at Submit a Tip | Vermont State Police or by texting keyword VTIPS to 274637 (CRIMES).
COURT ACTION: N/A
COURT DATE/TIME: N/A
COURT: N/A
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
*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 Marie Beland
Vermont State Police
Westminster Barracks
1330 Westminster Heights Rd
Putney, Vermont 05346
Tel: (802)722-4600 x3
Email: marie.beland@vermont.gov
Royalton Barracks / DUI Drug
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B2000075
RANK/TROOPER NAME: Trooper Stacia Geno
STATION: Royalton
CONTACT#: 802-234-9933
DATE/TIME: 1/6/26, 0715 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: I-89 north, mm29.2, Randolph, VT
VIOLATION: DUI Drug
ACCUSED: Ben Goldschlager
AGE: 29
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Westport, CT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 1/6/26, at approximately 0715 hours Troopers with the Vermont State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 89 northbound at mile marker 29.2 in the Town of Randolph. Upon arrival, the operator of the vehicle was identified as Goldschlager (29) who was transported to Gifford Medical Center and showed signs of impairment. Goldschlager was processed for DUI Drug and given a citation to appear in Orange County Superior Court, Criminal Division on 3/25/26 at 0830 hours.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 03/25/26 – 0830 hours
COURT: Orange County Superior Court, Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
*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 Stacia Geno
Vermont State Police
B Troop - Royalton Barracks
2011 VT Route 107
Bethel, VT 05032
(802)234-9933
stacia.geno@vermont.gov
Update No. 1: Berlin Barracks/ Attempt to Locate
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A3000094/25A3009034
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Troopers Mae Murdock and Alyssa Nozka
STATION: Berlin Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 229-9191
DATE/TIME: January 05, 2026, at approximately 1430 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Kneeland Flats Tpk, Waterbury
VIOLATION: Attempt to locate
ACCUSED: Tristan Dunster
AGE: 40
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Duxbury, VT
VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of
sexual assault or domestic violence.)
AGE:
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, troopers received notification that Dunster turned himself in to the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Barre without incident. Dunster was ordered held without bail pending further court proceedings.
No additional information is available at this time from the Vermont State Police. Questions about Dunster’s status should be directed to the Criminal Court Clerk’s Office.
***Initial news release, 5:35 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025***
On the above date and time, troopers responded to the Kneeland Flats Trailer Park in Waterbury in response to several tips from community members that Tristan “TJ” Dunster, 40, of Duxbury was staying at residences within. Dunster has an active arrest warrant for first-degree aggravated domestic assault, burglary, criminal threatening, and violation of conditions of release arising from an incident that occurred Dec. 29, 2025. Dunster was not located following this original incident, and an arrest warrant was issued, with bail set at $50,000.
The tip on Jan. 5 resulted in a large police presence at the trailer park in an attempt to locate Dunster. He was not located. The Vermont State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Dunster. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Berlin Barracks at 802-229-9191. Anonymous tips may be provided online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
Dunster is described as approximately 6-foot 01 inch and approximately 220 pounds, with partial gray hair. A photo of Dunster is attached to this release.
In the Dec. 29 incident, Dunster is accused of assaulting a former romantic partner. At the time of this assault, Dunster had active conditions of release preventing him from acting in a violent manner, along with two previous convictions of domestic assault.
COURT ACTION: Y
COURT DATE/TIME: PENDING
COURT: WASHINGTON COUNTY CRIMINAL DIVISION
LODGED - LOCATION: PENDING
BAIL: $50,000
MUG SHOT: Y
Westminster Barracks / DUI crash
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B1000146
RANK/TROOPER NAME: Trooper Clemens
STATION: Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-722-4600
DATE/TIME: 01/05/2026 – 4:52 PM
INCIDENT LOCATION: I-91 S Exit 5 on/off ramps / I-91 Access Rd, Westminster, VT
VIOLATION: DUI crash
ACCUSED: Benjamin Johnson
AGE: 26
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brooklyn, NY
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 01/05/2026, at approximately 4:52 PM, a Trooper with the Vermont State Police came across a two-vehicle crash in Westminster, VT. A subsequent investigation revealed 26-year-old Benjamin Johnson was driving under the influence of alcohol. Johnson was transported to the Westminster Barracks where he was cited and scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court Windham Criminal Division on 01/20/2026 at 8:30 AM.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 01/20/2026 - 8:30 AM
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Windham Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: Attached
*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 Eric Clemens
VSP Westminster
1330 Westminster Heights Rd
Westminster, VT 05158
(802)722-4600
Shaftsbury Barracks - Operation without Consent & Criminal DLS
VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 25B3005268
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Arel
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: December 29, 2025 | 1513 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Pownal, VT
VIOLATION: Operation Without Consent & Criminal DLS
ACCUSED: Christopher P. Russell
AGE: 35
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT
VICTIM: Tammy Ducette
AGE: 54
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pownal, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On December 29, 2025, at approximately 1513 hours Troopers were notified of a car theft reported by Tammy Ducette (54) in the Town of Pownal. Investigation discovered that Christopher P. Russell (35) had taken Ducette’s motor vehicle without consent. A Vermont DMV check discovered that Russell was also operating on a criminally suspended license. The motor vehicle was returned, and Russell was located by Troopers with the assistance of Bennington Probation & Parole. Russell was subsequently issued a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division on March 2nd, 2026, at 0815 hours.
COURT ACTION: YES
COURT DATE/TIME: 03/02/2026 | 0815 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: NOT LODGED
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: NOT AVAILABLE
*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
RE: Traffic Alert - I 89 NB mm90.6
Good morning,
Sorry for any confusion. The crash on Interstate 89 NB at mm 85 has been cleared. The roadway is also clear at I-89 NB mm 90.6. This covers the Exit 12 – 14 area, Williston through Burlington.
Thank you.
From: Deslauriers, Katherine via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 7:57 AM
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - I 89 NB mm90.6
EXTERNAL SENDER: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize and trust the sender.
State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Williston
News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
I 89 NB mm90.6 has no obstruction in the area of due to a Road reopened.
This incident is expected to last for . Specific details are not yet available, updates will be provided as appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes. Please drive carefully.