Vermont State Police responded to a string of serious incidents across the state this past weekend, ranging from a fugitive arrest at the Canadian border to an animal cruelty case in Royalton and a fatal crash in Lowell.

On Sunday, August 17, at about 3:41 PM troopers were called to the Highgate Port of Entry after U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a man in custody with an outstanding warrant. 

Police identified the man as Masseye Dabo, 49, of Medford, Massachusetts. An investigation determined Dabo was wanted in Manchester, New Hampshire, on a Class B felony robbery charge. He was held on $5,000 bail and ordered to appear in Franklin County Superior Court on Monday on the charge of Fugitive From Justice.

Just 40 minutes earlier, troopers had responded to McCullough’s Quik Stop in Royalton for a report of a man beating his dog in the parking lot. Police identified the suspect as Lee Philips, 46, of Amsterdam, New York. Philips was cited to appear in Windsor County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on Monday on a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. 

Troopers removed Philips’ two Huskies — Storm, the victim of the abuse, and a companion named Velo — from his custody.

Two days earlier, on Friday, August 15, state police investigated a fatal crash in the town of Lowell. At about 10:13 AM, troopers responded to a rollover on VT Route 100, just south of the Westfield town line. According to investigators, Jason Metras, 47, of Troy, was traveling north when he crossed into the southbound lane, veered off the road and overturned in a nearby field. Metras, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

State police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the Lowell crash to call the Derby Barracks at 802-334-8881. Newport EMS, the Lowell Fire Department and B&B Towing assisted at the scene.

Police also arrested a Richford man for smashing the front door of a convenience store with his truck. 

At 3:44 AM on August 15, troopers were called to the Jolley Gas Station in Berkshire for reports of a burglary in progress. Witnesses said a man driving a red Chevy truck repeatedly rammed the front door of the closed business before forcing his way inside and stealing items. 

Police identified the suspect as 41-year-old Amos Lafontaine of Richford. Lafontaine was later located and arrested by St. Albans City Police on unrelated charges. He has been cited to appear in Franklin County Criminal Court on Oct. 6 to answer to burglary and unlawful mischief charges.

Later that morning, troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to a car vs. pedestrian crash. Investigators say Kevin Bell, 27, of Montpelier, was driving a 2024 Honda Civic when he struck 38-year-old Skyler Litchfield, a transient Vermonter. Litchfield suffered suspected serious injuries and was taken to Central Vermont Medical Center. Police say Bell showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DUI and gross negligent operation. He has been ordered to appear in Washington County Superior Court.