HARTFORD — Two adults are dead at the scene of a fiery two-vehicle crash on U.S. 4 in Hartford Monday night.

Hartford Police said one other person was seriously injured and was taken by ambulance to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N. H. following the 7:15 p.m. crash.

The two vehicles were reportedly headed in opposite directions when one of them went left of center and collided with the second car near Hathaway Road in Quechee.

An early report indicated the driver in one car and a passenger in the second vehicle are dead.

Hartford Police Lt. Will Furnari said local police are getting investigative help from the Vermont State Police.

Hartford Fire and Rescue are among the agencies assisting at the scene, while Woodstock Police were helping with shutting down U.S. 4. – By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First

Car crashes into furniture store – At 1:35 AM Tuesday, November 3, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were on routine patrol when they witnessed a vehicle crash through the glass exterior walls of Godnick’s Grand Furniture store in the City of Rutland.

As Troopers were pulling into the parking lot, the vehicle reversed and then crashed again into a stone landscaping wall and business sign. The operator was identified as Robert Lavene, 67, of Rutland.

Lavene declined to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was taken into custody for driving under the influence. Lavene was transported to the Rutland Barracks for processing. He was issued a criminal citation to appear at Vermont Superior Court – Rutland Criminal Division on November 23.

Montpelier man facing charges after abandoning baby – On November 2 at 4:56 PM, the Montpelier Police Department received multiple reports of a highly intoxicated male pushing a baby in a stroller near Main Street and State Street. Callers expressed serious concerns for the infant’s safety.

Before officers arrived, additional reports indicated the male had abandoned the infant in the stroller, brandished a knife, and fled the area.

Responding officers coordinated efforts to ensure the infant’s safety while simultaneously searching for the suspect. Concerned witnesses initially cared for the infant, who was subsequently brought to MPD for continued safety and supervision.

A short time later, officers located and identified the suspect as 29-year-old Seth Hepburn of Montpelier. Hepburn was highly intoxicated and taken into custody.

During the subsequent custodial process, Hepburn produced a concealed fixed-blade knife, threatening officers in close proximity. Despite the immediate threat, officers employed de-escalation techniques and successfully gained Hepburn’s compliance. He relinquished the knife and was secured without further incident.

Hepburn faces the following charges:

• Felony Aggravated Assault (3 counts)
• Felony Abandonment or Exposure of Baby
• Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• Misdemeanor Cruelty to a Child. A Superior Court judge ordered Hepburn held on $1,000 bail with conditions of release. He was transported to the Northeast Regional Correctional Facility pending arraignment today.