By Guy Page

A months-long investigation into drug trafficking in Brattleboro ended Wednesday with the arrest of Shane Farrell, 55, on multiple charges.

Detectives with the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, working with Brattleboro police, allege Farrell sold fentanyl six times and cocaine four times from his residence at 39 Garfield Drive. Investigators used confidential informants to make controlled purchases during the probe.

Farrell was arrested Sept. 3, processed at the Brattleboro Police Department, and lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield on $50,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court in Brattleboro on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 12:30 p.m. to face six counts of fentanyl sales, four counts of cocaine sales, and conspiracy.

The case is being prosecuted by the Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Good Samaritans assaulted during Bradford domestic dispute
What began as a passerby reporting a domestic assault in Bradford escalated into multiple arrests on Aug. 30.

According to police, a citizen alerted Bradford officers to a dispute unfolding near Hannaford’s on Lower Plain around 5:40 p.m. Officers found a woman being assaulted by Cody Hardy, 33, of Fairlee. Hardy ignored commands to stop and was forcibly arrested after a brief struggle. He now faces charges of domestic assault, unlawful restraint, resisting arrest, aggravated disorderly conduct, and violation of conditions of release.

Several witnesses assisted officers by intervening, providing dashcam footage, and supporting the victim.

During Hardy’s arrest, police say Miguel Maisonet, uninvolved in the dispute, began yelling aggressively at bystanders and officers. He reportedly ‘became aggressive’ with one of the Good Samaritans. He was arrested for impeding law enforcement and disorderly conduct. Maisonet also had an outstanding warrant in Windham County. Both men were lodged at the Northeast Regional Correctional Center in St. Johnsbury.

A Good Samaritan refers to someone who helps a stranger in need. the term is inspired by the parable of Jesus written in Luke, Chapter 10 about a resident of Samaria who aids a traveler who was attacked and left for dead, while others passed by without helping. The story emphasizes compassion and the importance of helping others, regardless of their background.

Berlin man charged with domestic assault, child cruelty
A Berlin man was arrested Wednesday following a domestic violence investigation involving the Department of Children and Families.

Berlin police said Glenn Stover, 50, was taken into custody Sept. 3 on charges of aggravated domestic assault (second degree) and cruelty to a child. Stover was cited to appear in Washington County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on Sept. 4 at 12:30 p.m.

Texting driver crashes in Bradford
A distracted driver crashed into a bridge on Mill Street near Old Creamery Road on Aug. 30.

Police said a 2019 Chevrolet Trax driven by Emerson Fuller-Penatzer struck the bridge around 5:15 p.m. while the driver was texting. No injuries were reported, and the bridge was not damaged. The vehicle sustained front-end damage and was towed. Fuller-Penatzer was issued a traffic citation.

St. Johnsbury woman accused of assault
Police arrested a 54-year-old woman after an alleged assault at a home on Eastern Avenue on Aug. 28.

According to police, Jessica Ryan struck a woman, Susan Siewertsen, with a can of soup and then hit her in the head with a phone, causing injuries. Witnesses reported hearing a woman yelling for help and saw Ryan chasing Siewertsen from the residence while making threats.

Ryan and a male companion had been throwing Siewertsen’s belongings out of a window onto the ground, police say.

Ryan was processed at the St. Johnsbury Police Department and released with a citation to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on a charge of simple assault.

Fire damages Bradford Motel
Firefighters from six departments battled a blaze at the Bradford Motel late Tuesday night.

The Journal-Opinion reports that the Bradford Fire Department said crews were called to the Lower Plain property shortly after 10 p.m. and remained on scene for more than two hours. Mutual aid came from Corinth, Fairlee, Haverhill, Woodsville, and Piermont.

The extent of the damage was not released, though one passerby told the Journal Opinion the fire appeared confined to an end unit.

The motel, located less than a quarter mile from the fire station on Carson Lane, drew a significant response, with Bradford sending all three of its working vehicles.