Driver fled scene, is suspect in church parking lot disturbance
Police are seeking a man they say drove his car into a Berlin supermarket early Sunday morning, two days after he fled police when approached behind a church.
Suspect Devon Hallock, 22, of Williamstown reportedly has expressed the wish to be shot by a police officer rather than face arrest.
Berlin police say that at 3:45 AM on January 5, they and Berlin Fire Department responded to Market 32 (former Price Chopper) on Route 302 following reports of a vehicle crashing into the building, with additional reports of a fire.
First responders found the vehicle embedded in the entranceway of Market 32. The fire was primarily contained to the vehicle and the building’s entrance. Emergency personnel quickly secured the area, and the fire was extinguished. The vehicle was removed from the scene
Police say the driver fled before first responders arrived.
Prior incident in church parking lot
Law enforcement has identified the vehicle as being involved in an incident in the Church of Latter Day Saints parking lot with Berlin officers the previous evening, during which the same vehicle fled the scene. The vehicle was last seen being operated by Hallock, who is now the subject of an active search.
On January 3, the Berlin Police Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle complaint on Hersey Road in Berlin. Upon arrival at the parking lot behind the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, police saw a vehicle with three occupants.
As officers approached, the driver abruptly fled the scene, driving over a snow embankment and recklessly revving the engine while rocking the vehicle back and forth.
Despite officers’ commands to exit the vehicle, the driver refused to comply, nearly striking officers in the process and causing injuries to one of the officers.
The driver, identified as Hallock, has been reported to make alarming statements to his probation officer and others, indicating a refusal to return to jail and stating he would rather be shot by police.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and law enforcement is actively working to locate the operator. If you have any information about this incident please contact Detective Corporal Withrow of the Berlin Police Department (802-223-4401) (Daniel.Withrow@vermont.gov).
