Top row (from left): Tozier, Guyette, Gaines. Middle row: Betit, Vanwagner, Pearl. Bottom row: Beaucage, Grady.

by Guy Page

Vermont State Police made multiple arrests across the state in recent days in connection with domestic assaults and DUI.

In Ferrisburgh, troopers conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Route 7 near Atkins Farm Road at about 11:54 p.m. on March 2 after observing a motor vehicle violation. Police identified the driver as Larry A. Swan, 35, of Starksboro. Troopers reported observing signs of impairment while speaking with Swan. He was arrested and transported to the New Haven barracks for processing before being released with a citation to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on May 4.

In Rutland Town, troopers responded at about 10:05 p.m. on March 1 to a report of a family fight. Investigators said Austin Creaser, 30, allegedly caused serious bodily injury to a family member while children were present in the residence. Creaser had left the scene before police arrived but was located the following day and arrested. A judge ordered him held without bail, and he was lodged at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility.

In Shaftsbury, troopers responded to a family fight at about 6:21 a.m. on March 2. Police said their investigation determined that Jeffrey Betit, 40, of Shaftsbury, assaulted a household member and caused injury. Betit was arrested and allegedly resisted arrest during the incident. He was processed at the Shaftsbury barracks and transported to Bennington County Superior Court, Criminal Division, to answer to the charges.

In Northfield, troopers were notified at about 5:44 p.m. on March 1 of a domestic incident. Police said their investigation led to the arrest of Rebecca Tozier, 44, of Northfield, on suspicion of domestic assault. Authorities also determined Tozier had an active arrest warrant. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington for lack of $500 bail. She was issued a citation to appear in Washington County Superior Court.

In Coventry, troopers from the Derby barracks responded to a report of an assault on Natural Hill Road. Investigators said Gary Guyette Jr., 38, of Coventry, assaulted multiple people with a weapon, causing serious bodily injury, and was also in violation of court-ordered conditions of release. Guyette was taken into custody without incident, processed at the Derby barracks, and ordered held without bail at Northern State Correctional Facility. He was scheduled to appear in Orleans County Superior Court.

In Marlboro, troopers responded shortly before 11:30 p.m. on March 2 to a disturbance at a residence on Vermont Route 9. Police said Cooper T. Vanwagner, 28, of Ocean Township, New Jersey, assaulted another individual. Vanwagner was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct and transported to the Westminster barracks for processing. He was later lodged at Southern State Correctional Facility on $1,000 bail.

State police also reported several DUI-related arrests.

In Waterbury, troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Guptil Road and Kneeland Flats Road at about 7:16 p.m. on March 2. The driver, Thomas Grady, 26, of Brookfield, showed signs of impairment, police said. Grady was arrested on suspicion of DUI and later released with a citation to appear in Washington County Superior Court on March 19.

In St. Johnsbury, troopers responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Memorial Drive on Feb. 27. Police identified the operator as Joseph Beaucage, 43, of St. Johnsbury, and reported detecting signs of impairment. Beaucage was arrested on suspicion of DUI and issued a citation to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on March 16.

In Randolph, troopers responded to a report at about 4:59 p.m. on March 2 of a motorist stuck in the snow on Route 12 North. Police said Richard Pearl, 70, of South Burlington, was found to be under the influence while operating the vehicle and was charged with DUI.

In Mount Holly, troopers responded at about 11:33 p.m. on March 1 to a report of a suspicious man walking around a home. During the investigation, police determined Edmund Gaines of Shrewsbury had gotten his vehicle stuck nearby and displayed signs of impairment. Gaines was taken into custody and later cited to appear in Rutland Criminal Division on March 16 on a charge of DUI.

In Fairfax, troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 104 and Highbridge Road at about 4:06 p.m. on March 1. Police said Cayla Chaloux, 38, of St. Albans, was found to be under the influence. Two children were restrained in car seats in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Chaloux was charged with DUI refusal and cruelty to a child and released with a citation to appear in Franklin County Superior Court on March 17.