Category: Public Safety

UVM Police phone number being spoofed

While these callers may possess some of the recipient’s personal information, it has been gathered from public records — they have no access to law enforcement databases or warrant systems. UVM Police emphasize that they will never call to request money, payment information, photographs, or to warn of an ongoing investigation or open warrant.

Four arrested for trespassing charges at ICE facility in Williston

Peter Booth, 58, the vice chairman of the Jericho selectboard, Henry Prensky, 79, of Burlington, Aiden Balentine, 39, of Montpelier and Casey Seem, 20, of Oakham, Mass. They are due in state criminal court in Burlington on June 30. For Booth and Prensky it was the second time arrested for a similar blockade at a building containing a support office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, state police said.

Deputy critically wounded after being dragged by suspect’s truck

Cpl. Jeffery Barriger, 42, of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department remains in critical but stable condition at the intensive care unit at the University of Vermont Medical Center.  A spokesman said he sustained serious head, brain and bodily injuries when he landed on the road after being dragged.  Court records also show he has a right eye fracture, blood in both ears, a fracture behind one ear, was vomiting blood and had an epidermal hematoma – a critical pooling of blood by the skull.

Vermonter averts double death penalty trial, accepts life sentences

Under the 13-page signed plea agreement filed Thursday, Bland admits to causing the deaths of both Solomon and White during a drug trafficking crime on Oct. 12, 2023. Both criminal charges carry life sentences. He also has admitted to carrying and using a gun on Oct. 14, 2023 during a drug trafficking crime, which calls for a consecutive life sentence, the plea agreement notes.

Blotter: Man killed in ATV crash; Domestic assault charges Filed; Big Barre drug bust

Ten people were arrested and significant quantities of illegal drugs and cash were seized following coordinated law enforcement operations at two Barre residences on April 4, according to local police. Police reported seizing approximately 13.5 grams of crack cocaine, fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, assorted pills, and $1,337 in cash. An additional traffic stop tied to the investigation resulted in the seizure of $6,500.

Newport woman charged with murder

Ariana Rodger, 43, was taken into custody late March 18 in connection with the death of a man found at a residence on Willoughby Lake Road. She has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree aggravated domestic assault, and violation of conditions of release.

Colchester drug dealer gets 20 years for Swanton drug shooting

A federal court jury convicted Dominique “Wop” Troupe, 39, of Bay Road on four felony drug, gun and robbery charges following a six-day trial in Rutland in May 2024. Troupe helped plan the robbery in Swanton four years ago and reportedly had told the two gunmen he recruited for the case that nobody was supposed to be injured, prosecutors have said.  The armed robbery for the drugs went sideways. Elijah Oliver, 22, of Haverhill, Mass. died from two gunshots inside the residence at 45 First St. in Swanton about 4:35 a.m. Feb. 2, 2022, Vermont State Police said.

Scott, other GOP leaders join condemnation of Pretti shooting

One widely shared account suggests that during the struggle, one or more ICE officers shouted “gun,” prompting another officer to draw a weapon. According to this version, Pretti’s sidearm was removed by an officer who then walked away, but the weapon discharged negligently. Some commentators point to the Sig Sauer P320 handgun, which has been the subject of lawsuits and controversy over unintentional discharges, typically when dropped. The theory suggests the discharge may have led other agents to believe Pretti was firing, resulting in what they perceived as a justified use of deadly force. “If this is what happened, it’s an incredibly unfortunate accident,” one commenter wrote.

Notorious repeat offender Breer denied release by Parole Board

Harley Breer Jr., 56, who public safety officials consider “one of the most dangerous criminals in the state,” was denied release from prison by the Vermont Parole Board on Thursday. His adult criminal record, which began when he was 18, includes 25 felony arrests with 14 convictions, parole board records show. Breer also has 47 misdemeanor arrests with 11 convictions, they noted.