VSP News Releases: 2026

September 13, 2026

St. Johnsbury Barracks / DUI #1

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A4009501

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Gruenewald

STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

DATE/TIME: 09/13/2026 at 0132 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Route 2, Danville, VT

VIOLATION: DUI #1

ACCUSED: Ryan Nolan

AGE: 36

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hardwick, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks conducted a traffic stop on Route 2 in Danville, VT. The operator was identified as Ryan Nolan (36). While speaking with Nolan, Troopers detected indicators of impairment. Nolan was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and brought to the St. Johnsbury barracks for processing. Nolan was issued a citation to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court – Criminal Division on September 28, 2026, at 0830 hours.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/28/2026 at 0830 hours

COURT: Caledonia County Superior Court – Criminal Division

LODGED: 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 Nicole Gruenewald

Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury

1068 US-5 #1

St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819

(802) 748-3111

St. Johnsbury Barracks / Multiple Charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A4009491

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Gruenewald

STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

DATE/TIME: 09/12/2026 at 1702 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Corinth, VT

VIOLATION: Fugitive from Justice, Operating after Suspension or Revocation of License, Violation of Condition of Release, Grand Larceny, Burglary, Aggravated Operating Without Consent of Owner, Possession of Stolen Property, Unlawful Trespass

ACCUSED: David Devaux

AGE: 73

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Corinth, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were dispatched to 5161 Cookeville Road in Corinth for the report of a theft. The person of interest in the theft was identified as David Devaux (73) of Corinth. While speaking with Devaux, Troopers determined that Devaux went onto a neighbor’s property, stole a four-wheeler, and then operated the four-wheeler on a public highway. Devaux also had an extraditable warrant out for his arrest from New Hampshire. Devaux was subsequently placed under arrest and brought to the St. Johnsbury barrack for processing. Devaux was issued a citation for appear in Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division on September 14, 2026, at 1230 hours.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/14/2026 at 1230 hours

COURT: Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division

LODGED: Y

BAIL: $25,000

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.

Trooper Nicole Gruenewald

Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury

1068 US-5 #1

St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819

(802) 748-3111

Williston Barracks / LSA

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A1006920

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michelle Archer

STATION: Vermont State Police - Williston

CONTACT#: 802-878-7111

DATE/TIME: September 11, 2026 / 1543 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 15, town of Cambridge

ACCUSED: Scott Horner

AGE: 26

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Hyde Park, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, VSP was notified of a vehicle that had left the roadway and struck multiple road signs causing damage on VT Route 15. Approximately ten minutes later, the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. Troopers responded to the scene and identified the operator as Scott Honer (26) of Hyde Park, VT. Horner advised the vehicle was having brake issues and confirmed he did not stop to report the crash and continued driving. He was issued a citation to appear in Lamoille County Superior Court - Criminal Division at a later date.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: October 28, 2026 / 1230 hours

COURT: Lamoille County Superior Court - Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: n/a

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.

RE: Traffic Alert - I-91 S MM51 -- roadway reopened

The roadway has been reopened.

From: Deslauriers, Katherine via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2026 12:33 PM
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - I-91 S MM51

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
Westminster

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
I-91 S MM51 has one lane obstructed in the area of passing/left lane is closed, but the right lane is open to slow traffic due to a crash.

This incident is expected to last for 1-2 hours. 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.

Traffic Alert - I-91 S MM51

Williston Barracks / DUI Crash

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

CASE#: 26A1006958

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Foley

STATION: Williston

CONTACT#: 802-878-7111

DATE/TIME: September 13^th, 2026 / 0259 hours

STREET: VT Rt 109 / Bog Rd

TOWN: Belvidere

WEATHER: Raining

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Juvenile

AGE: 17

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fairfax, VT

CHARGE: Driving Under the Influence

VEHICLE YEAR: 2015

VEHICLE MAKE: Ram

VEHICLE MODEL: 1500

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Non-life threatening

HOSPITAL: Copley Hospital, Morristown

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On September 13^th, 2026, at approximately 0259 hours, the Vermont State Police were dispatched to the report of an automated iPhone crash notification near the intersection of VT Rt 109 and Bog Rd in Belvidere. Troopers and Deputies responded and determined through preliminary investigation that Vehicle 1, a 2015 Ram 1500, had failed to navigate the curve in the road traveling South on VT Rt 118, departed the roadway, and overturned upon collision with a tree.

The operator was identified as a Juvenile, 17, of Fairfax. While speaking with the operator, indicators of impairment were detected, and the Juvenile was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI. The operator was transported to Copley Hospital for evaluation and ultimately released with a citation to appear in the Lamoille County Superior Court at a later date.

Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by the Lamoille County Sheriff's Department, Johnson Fire Department, and Northern EMS.

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint Pending

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: Lamoille

COURT DATE/TIME: Scheduled

*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.

September 12, 2026

Berlin Barracks- Multiple Charges

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A3007618

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Abigail Sikora

STATION: Berlin

CONTACT#: (802) 229-9191

DATE/TIME: 09/12/26 at 0757 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Luce Road, Calais, VT

VIOLATION(S):

-Violation of Conditions of Release

-Second Degree Aggravated Domestic Assault

ACCUSED: Thomas Fallon

AGE: 56

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Calais, VT

VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of

sexual assault or domestic violence.)

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time, Troopers of the Berlin Barracks responded to a report of a citizen disturbance located in the Town of Calais. Investigation revealed that Thomas Fallon (56) of Calais, Vermont, had violated conditions of release and had assaulted a member of the household. Fallon was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Berlin Barracks for processing. Fallon was issued a citation to appear in the Washington County Superior Court, Criminal Division on 09/14/2026, at 1230 hours, to answer to the above charges, and subsequently transported to the Northeast Correctional Facility.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/14/2026 at 1230 hours

COURT: Vermont Superior Court- Washington Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: Northeast Correctional Facility

BAIL: $5,000

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.

Trooper Abigail Sikora (254)

Vermont State Police

Troop A - Berlin

578 Paine Tpke N., Berlin, VT

802-229-9191 (Barracks)

Shaftsbury Barracks / Negligent Operation

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26B3005046

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Stevens

STATION: Shaftsbury

CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421

DATE/TIME: 09/12/26 @ 1051 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7 Exit 4, Manchester

VIOLATION: Negligent Operation

ACCUSED: John Gagliardi

AGE: 74

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Daytona Beach, FL

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On the above date and time, Vermont State Police observed a vehicle traveling on US Route 7 in the area of Exit 4 in Manchester at 95 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone and passing vehicles when unsafe to do so. A traffic stop was initiated and the operator, John Gagliardi (74), was placed under arrest for Negligent Operation. Gagliardi was later released and issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division on 10/26/26 to answer to the charge.

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 10/26/26 @ 0830 hours

COURT: Bennington

LODGED - LOCATION: NA

BAIL: NA

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.

State Hazmat / Rail car derailment (photo attached)

For Immediate Release

Vermont Division of Fire Safety - State Hazmat

Rutland City Fire Department

Vermont Rail System

Rutland City, Vermont — The Vermont State Hazmat Team, along with the Rutland City Fire Department and Vermont Rail System, are currently on scene at a rail car derailment near the Park Street rail crossing in Rutland City. The incident occurred during the evening hours of September 11, when a rail car carrying liquefied propane derailed and rolled over.

Officials confirm there is no compromise to the tank. There is no leak, and there is no threat to public health, safety, or the environment at this time.

Vermont Hazmat Team personnel and Rutland City Fire are maintaining a presence on scene while Vermont Rail Systems works to rerail the tank car. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area of Park Street and the rail crossing to give emergency responders and contractors the space needed to safely complete this work.

Additional updates will be issued as new information becomes available.

Patrick McLaughlin

State of Vermont

Chief, VT Hazardous Materials Response Team

Email: Patrick.McLaughlin@Vermont.gov

State Hazmat / Rail car derailment

For Immediate Release

Vermont Division of Fire Safety - State Hazmat

Rutland City Fire Department

Vermont Rail System

Officials confirm there is no compromise to the tank. There is no leak, and there is no threat to public health, safety, or the environment at this time.

Additional updates will be issued as new information becomes available.

Patrick McLaughlin

State of Vermont

Chief, VT Hazardous Materials Response Team

Email: Patrick.McLaughlin@Vermont.gov

St. Albans Barracks / DUI #2

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A2006004

TROOPER: Bodey Towle

STATION: St Albans Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-524-5993

DATE/TIME: 09/11/2026 at approximately 2139 hours

LOCATION: 2154 US Route 2, Alburgh, VT

VIOLATION: DUI #2

ACCUSED: Crystal Perry

AGE: 37

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Charlotte, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On September 11th, 2026, at approximately 2139 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – St. Albans Barracks responded to the report of an unresponsive female in a vehicle. The female was identified as Crystal Perry (37) of Charlotte, VT.

After a thorough investigation, Perry was placed under arrest for driving under the influence. Perry was then transported to the St. Albans Barracks for processing and issued a citation to appear in Grande Ilse County Criminal Court on October 1st, 2026, at 0830 hours for the above charge.

COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE: 10/01/2026 at 0830 hours

COURT: Grande Ilse County Criminal Court

LODGED – LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Attached

Trooper Bodey Towle

Vermont State Police

St. Albans Barracks

140 Fisher Pond Rd.

St. Albans, VT 05478

802 524 5993

Royalton Barracks / DUI Crash, Negligent Operation

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

CASE#: 26B2005143

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Elisabeth Plympton

STATION: Royalton Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-234-9933

DATE/TIME: 9/11/2026 @ approximately 2044 hours

STREET: VT RT 66

TOWN: Randolph, VT

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: I89 Exit 4

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Kolby Carpenter

AGE: 26

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brookfield, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2023

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Tacoma

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front end

INJURIES: None

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On the above mentioned date and time, the Vermont State Police received a call regarding a Toyota Tacoma on Judd Dr. with an AOT sign stuck under the vehicle. Troopers responded to the scene and identified the operator as Kolby Carpenter (26). Investigation revealed that Carpenter struck a sign in the median barrier on Route 66 in between the I89 exit 4 on and off ramps and continued to Judd Dr. before stopping and attempting to remove the sign lodged in his vehicle. Upon further investigation Troopers determined Carpenter was operating under the influence. He was taken into custody and subsequently transported to the Royalton Barracks for processing. Carpenter was issued a citation to answer to the charges of DUI Refusal and Negligent Operation and released.

LODGED - LOCATION: N

BAIL: N

MUG SHOT: Y

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: Vermont Superior Court Orange Criminal Division

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/30/2026 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.

Trooper Elisabeth Plympton

Vermont State Police

Royalton Barracks

2011 VT RT 107
Bethel, VT 05032
Tel: 802-234-9933

September 11, 2026

RE: Berlin Barracks // Request for Information

-------------------------------UPDATE-------------------------------

The person of interest in this case has been identified. No further information is available at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

Trooper David Lambert

Vermont State Police

Berlin Barracks

(802)229-9191

From: Howard, Thomas via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2026 9:49 AM
To: DPS - VSP Media <DPS.VSPMedia@list.vermont.gov>
Subject: Berlin Barracks // Request for Information

EXTERNAL SENDER: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize and trust the sender.

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A3007420

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Helpard

STATION: Berlin Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191 Option 3

DATE/TIME: September 4, 2026 at approximately 1:30 PM

INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 215 (Main Street), Cabot, VT

ACCUSED: Unknown

AGE: Unknown

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Unknown

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On September 4, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, the Vermont State Police received a report of a road rage incident on VT Route 215, which resulted in an unknown male confronting a driver, while armed with what is believed to be a firearm. The incident occurred on VT Route 215, also known as Main Street, in the Town of Cabot. The person of interest was operating a grey Chevrolet Silverado, bearing a Vermont registration plate. Attached is a photograph of the person of interest and the vehicle he was operating at the time of the incident.

The Vermont State Police is requesting the public's assistance in identifying this individual. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone who can identify the male, is asked to contact the Vermont State Police Berlin Barracks by calling 802-229-9191 or online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/prevention/tipsubmit.

New Haven Barracks / Multiple Charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26B5003051

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Taylor Demick

STATION: New Haven

CONTACT#: (802)388-4919

DATE/TIME: 07/16/2026 at 1218 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7 / Campground Road

TOWN/STATE: New Haven, Vermont

VIOLATIONS: False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities, Criminal DLS

ACCUSED: Clifton R. Laplant

AGE: 54

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Starksboro, Vermont

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On July 16^th, 2026, at approximately 1218 hours, the Vermont State Police conducted a traffic stop after an observed motor vehicle violation on US Route 7 near the intersection with Campground Road in the Town of New Haven. The operator was later identified as Clifton R. Laplant (54) of Starksboro, Vermont, who provided false identifying information to Troopers and whose license was criminally suspended.

Laplant was located on September 11^th, 2026, and released with a citation to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division on November 2^nd, 2026, at 1230 hours.

Troopers were assisted by the Vermont Highway Patrol.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 11/02/2026 at 1230 hours

COURT: Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

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.

New Haven Barracks / Multiple Charges

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26B5003965

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Taylor Demick

STATION: New Haven

CONTACT#: (802)388-4919

DATE/TIME: 09/11/2026 at 0833 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Monkton Road / Parks-Hurlburt Road

TOWN/STATE: Monkton, Vermont

VIOLATIONS: Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Criminal No License

ACCUSED: Desiree D. Garrison

AGE: 42

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Vergennes, Vermont

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On September 11^th, 2026, at approximately 0833 hours, the Vermont State Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Monkton Road near the intersection with Parks-Hurlburt Road in the Town of Monkton. The operator was identified as Desiree D. Garrison (42) of Vergennes, Vermont, who fled the scene. Troopers also discovered Garrison was operating a motor vehicle without a license and had a prior conviction within the previous two years.

Garrison was later located and released with a citation to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division on November 2^nd, 2026, at 1230 hours.

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 11/02/2026 at 1230 hours

COURT: Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

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.

Berlin Barracks // Request for Information

VSP News Release-Incident

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

CASE#: 26A3007420

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Helpard

STATION: Berlin Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191 Option 3

DATE/TIME: September 4, 2026 at approximately 1:30 PM

INCIDENT LOCATION: VT Route 215 (Main Street), Cabot, VT

ACCUSED: Unknown

AGE: Unknown

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Unknown

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

A Troop / DLS Criminal Incidents

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE – DLS INCIDENTS

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The troopers of A Troop cited the following individuals on suspicion of driving with a criminally suspended license:

CASE #: 26A5004770

TROOPER: Anthony Rice

ACCUSED: Dane Kross-Baker

AGE: 42

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: W. Charleston, VT

DATE/TIME: 08/20/2025 @ 2008 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: West St in the Town of Derby, VT

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 09/29/2025 @ 0800 hours

COURT: Orleans

A Troop consists of the Vermont State Police barracks in Williston, St. Albans, Berlin, St. Johnsbury and Derby.

Shaftsbury Field Station/DUI crash/Town of Bennington

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

CASE#: 26B3005026

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: SGT Justin Walker

STATION: Shaftsbury Field Station

CONTACT#: 802-442-5421

DATE/TIME: 09/10/26 @ 2230 hours

STREET: US RT 7 & Kocher Drive intersection

TOWN: Bennington

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS:

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER:

WEATHER: Cool, partly cloudy

ROAD CONDITIONS: dry

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Gerson Montes

AGE: 25

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Schenectady, NY

VEHICLE YEAR: 2003

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Camry

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Heavy damage to passenger's side front engine compartment/quarter panel/wheel area.

INJURIES: minor

HOSPITAL: (IDENTIFY) SVMC

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Austin Mattison

AGE: 24

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2018

VEHICLE MAKE: BMW

VEHICLE MODEL: 328D

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Heavy damage to driver's side engine compartment/front quarter panel/wheel

INJURIES: Suspected minor

HOSPITAL: (IDENTIFY) SVMC

VEHICLE #3

OPERATOR: Corey Briggs

AGE: 34

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2022

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: Explorer

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #3: Moderate damage to push bumper and minor damage to front bumper

INJURIES: N/A

HOSPITAL: N/A

SUMMARY OF CRASH: On 09/10/26 at approximately 2230 hours Vermont State Police were dispatched to assist and investigate a motor vehicle crash involving a Bennington Police cruiser at the intersection of Kocher Drive and US RT 7.

Investigation at the scene determined Vehicle 1, a 2003 Toyota Camry, operated by Gerson Montes, was traveling west on Kocher Drive toward Northside Drive when it was struck by Vehicle 2. Vehicle 2, a 2018 BMX 328D, operated by Austin Mattison, was traveling south on US RT 7 at the time when it struck Vehicle 1.

The impact of Vehicle 2 into Vehicle 1 caused both vehicles to slide and collide with Vehicle 3, a 2022 Ford Explorer (Bennington PD cruiser), that was preparing to turn right onto US RT 7 from Northside Drive. The BPD cruiser was operated by Sgt Corey Briggs.

During investigation, Troopers began to suspect Montes was under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Montes was later processed for Suspicion of Drug related DUI.

Montes, Mattison, and a passenger in Montes' vehicle, Mya Simpson, were transported for medical evaluation and suspected minor injuries. Sgt Briggs did not sustain any injuries.

Vehicles 1 and 2 were removed from the scene by All Service Citgo. Bennington Rural Fire Department responded and ensured scene safety. Bennington Rescue, Hoosick Rescue and Arlington Rescue all responded to the scene and assisted with medical transport and evaluations.

This crash is still under investigation.

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint ______________ T23 VSA _______

LODGED - N/A LOCATION:

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: Bennington County Superior Court, Criminal Division

COURT DATE/TIME: 12/14/26 0815 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.

Sergeant Justin Walker

Patrol Commander

Vermont State Police

Troop B - Shaftsbury

96 Airport Rd

Shaftsbury, VT 05262

802-442-5421