by VDC staff

Two juveniles and two adults were arrested at an Essex Junction apartment after the youths, ages 12 and 13, allegedly used social media to threaten other students at their school.

On Friday, September 5, at 9:00 AM, Essex Police, assisted by Colchester Police and the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, executed search warrants at two residences in the apartment complex at 27 Susie Wilson Road. The warrants followed an investigation into two juveniles, ages 12 and 13, accused of sending threatening social media messages to other school-aged juveniles. Police said the threats included photos and videos of firearms along with statements about harming students at their schools.

Essex police seized evidence supporting charges of criminal threatening and disturbing the peace by electronic communications. Both juveniles were issued juvenile citations to appear in Family Court.

While serving the warrants, police arrested Shawn Foy Sr., 60, of Essex, on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear on a prior DUI charge. He was transported to Vermont Superior Court.

Police also arrested Joshua Limoge-Francis, 32, of Essex, on charges of impeding public officers, assault of a protected professional, and resisting arrest. He was processed and released on conditions with a flash citation to appear in court on Monday, September 8.

Berlin – assault at homeless encampment
On Monday, September 8, at 7:46 PM, Berlin Police and Vermont State Police responded to a transient encampment near Comstock and Granger roads for a report of an assault. Following an investigation, police arrested Michael Kelley, 50, of Berlin, on a charge of aggravated assault. He was processed and cited to appear in Washington County Superior Court on October 23.

Hinesburg – pistol whipping
On Sunday, September 7, at 8:03 PM, Vermont State Police responded to a reported family fight in Hinesburg. Troopers determined that Veronica Gingras, 31, had pistol whipped a victim with a loaded firearm and threatened them. Gingras was arrested without incident, processed at the Williston Barracks, and released with court-ordered conditions. She was cited to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court on September 8 at 10:30 AM.

Stockbridge – car dealership burglary
On April 14, at 7:08 AM, Vermont State Police were called to Ted Green Ford in Stockbridge for a reported burglary. Staff arriving for work found evidence of forced entry and several items missing. Detectives identified Coy Hill, 43, of Rutland City, as a suspect. A search warrant confirmed his involvement in the burglary and possession of stolen property.

Hill, currently lodged at Marble Valley Correctional Facility on unrelated charges, was issued a criminal citation on September 6 to appear in Rutland Superior Court on September 15.

Shoplifting from Danville grocery store

On September 8, at about 9:30 AM, state troopers received a report of a retail theft that occurred at Marty’s Gas and Go located in Danville. Surveillance footage from the store shows two unidentified males taking several items without paying.

A photo of one of them appears at right. The Vermont State Police urge anyone with information about this incident or the identities of the individuals to contact Trooper David Hastings at the St. Johnsbury Barracks by calling (802) 748-3111 or by emailing david.hastings@vermont.gov . Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at Submit a Tip | Vermont State Police or by texting keyword VTIPS  to 274637 (CRIMES).