By VDC staff

Two separate high-speed police chases in Vermont’s capital city and in Newport resulted in crashes, injuries, and arrests in recent weeks, according to local and state authorities.

In Montpelier, a Nov. 15 pursuit began around 3 AM when officers attempted to follow a suspicious vehicle downtown. Police say the driver, transient 23-year-old Elijah Knowles, fled at speeds topping 95 mph before crashing on Route 2 in East Montpelier. Two passengers were injured and reported that Knowles refused to stop or let them out. Knowles fled on foot but was arrested the next evening after allegedly violating conditions of release. He faces multiple charges, including unlawful restraint, eluding, excessive speed, and grossly negligent operation.

In Newport, police say Richard J. LeBlanc, 41, of Bakersfield, led officers on a Halloween-night chase that ended with a crash at North Country Union High School. The pursuit began after an officer observed a vehicle with no lights and mismatched plates. LeBlanc nearly struck a cruiser before the crash, police said. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated car theft, negligent eluding, and reckless endangerment.

In other weekend incidents, state troopers responded to a burglary at the Lucky Spot Gas Station in Richmond around 5:05 AM on Nov. 15, where the suspect forced entry and stole a large quantity of nicotine vape pens, including a display case. Police are seeking the public’s help.

Later that morning, troopers investigated a vehicle fire on Route 128 in Westford and arrested the driver, Jordan Atwood, 31, of Fairfax, on suspicion of DUI after he allegedly refused screening. The incident occurred shortly after 6 AM. Atwood was lodged on $200 bail and cited to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court.