by VDC staff
Vermont State Police are investigating after a dog was shot and killed in Richford on Wednesday evening, Oct. 1.
At about 5 p.m., Nicholas Weatherby, 28, of Richford, reported hearing a single gunshot while his black German Shepherd was in a nearby field off Route 105 and Magoon Road. The dog returned to Weatherby’s residence with a fatal gunshot wound to its snout.
Witnesses told troopers they saw a man walking away from the area shortly after the shot, before getting into a white full-sized pickup truck and heading toward town. Police said it is not yet known if the shooting was intentional or accidental. The case remains under investigation.
Bennington man charged in Rutland inmate assault
A Bennington man already incarcerated at Marble Valley Correctional Center has been cited in connection with an inmate-on-inmate assault that left another man seriously injured.
Police said Kevin Simmons, 27, assaulted 40-year-old Joshua Croteau of Rutland in the Echo Unit of MVCC on Sept. 23, 2025. Croteau suffered a fractured jaw and broken teeth.
On Oct. 2, investigators with the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations cited Simmons for aggravated assault. Simmons, who is being held at MVCC on unrelated charges, is scheduled to appear in Rutland Criminal Court on Nov. 3. Additional charges are possible.
Berlin man arrested after harassing 911 dispatchers
A Middlesex man is facing charges after allegedly making repeated harassing and threatening calls to emergency dispatchers on Wednesday morning.
Police said 42-year-old Cormick Cantwell placed several non-emergency 911 calls around 7:23 a.m. on Oct. 1. Troopers determined Cantwell violated active conditions of release and acted in a disorderly manner.
Cantwell was arrested and cited for violation of conditions of release and disorderly conduct by phone. He was scheduled to appear in Washington County Superior Court, Criminal Division, later that same day.
Middlesex man cited for violating stalking order
Vermont State Police say a Middlesex man has been cited for violating a stalking order.
On Sept. 27, troopers responded to a report that Zachary P. French, 53, had violated the order. Following investigation, French was issued a criminal citation on Oct. 2 for violation of a stalking order.
French was scheduled to appear in Washington County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on Oct. 2. Police did not release the victim’s identity in accordance with state policy.
Fairfax driver charged with DUI, excessive speed
A 24-year-old Fairfax man is facing multiple charges after state police clocked him driving 110 mph on Interstate 89 in Milton on Oct. 1.
Troopers stopped a southbound vehicle near mile marker 102.8 at about 8:33 p.m. The driver was identified as Jordan Jenkins, 24, of Fairfax. Police said Jenkins showed signs of impairment and was arrested for suspicion of DUI.
He was transported to the Williston barracks for processing and cited to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court on charges of DUI #1 and negligent operation.
Jenkins also received civil tickets for excessive speed, carrying a $668 fine and two points, and for operating without a license.