Police have reportedly caught George Goins (right), after searching for him driving this SUV

Police this morning reportedly have caught a 61-year-old Johnson man with a drug crime record who allegedly fled after shooting a 26-year-old man in the neck during a dispute yesterday.

Also, Barre police have arrested a New York City man for allegedly selling cocaine in the city’s Green Acres subsidized-income apartment complex.

At about 2:44 a.m. Tuesday, the Lamoille County Dispatch Center received a report that a 26 year old male had been shot in the neck.  He was transported to UVM Medical Center where he is being treated for his injuries and is expected to live.

The Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department has identified George Goins, age 64, of Johnson as the suspect involved in the case. Goins’ current whereabouts is unknown. Goins is described as an African American male, about 5’9” in height and 180 pounds, last seen wearing a blue long sleeve sweatshirt and dark pants. He may be driving a black Hyundai SUV with an unknown New Jersey registration. 

Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department believe that Goins and the victim know each other and this was not a random incident. It is unclear if Goins may still be armed. If Goins is seen, do not confront and please contact your nearest law enforcement agency or the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department at 802-888-3502.

April 2 of this year at 11 AM, Goins was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs after a vehicle crash on Pucker Street in Stowe. 

Manhattan man busted for coke dealing, domestic assault in Barre – After a lengthy investigation, in the early morning hours of June 3 the Barre City Police Department with assistance from DEA, ATF and VT Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence in the Green Acres housing complex located at Bergeron and Chatot Streets in Barre. Officers seized approximately 17 grams of cocaine and over $7,000 in cash, Chief Brandon Vail said.

49-year-old Jamal Gauthier of Manhattan, NY was arrested and lodged in lieu of $25,000 bail pending arraignment. Gauthier is facing charges of Domestic Assault, 2 counts of sale of cocaine, and felony possession of cocaine.