Vermont State Police arrested a man Friday, July 17 on multiple charges arising from an incident in which  he assaulted multiple people and damaged property at several locations in the Caledonia County town of Groton.

Tristan Garcia, 26, of St. Johnsbury was ordered held without bail at the Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury. His arraignment is Monday, July 20.

According to the Caledonian-Record, Garcia in March 2024 reached a plea deal after being accused of 61 crimes in the previous five years. The state’s attorney dismissed 8 of the crimes. Garcia pleaded to 53 charges.

“Mr Garcia is young,” said the deputy state’s attorney in 2024. “He is 23 years old [with] a well-evidenced difficulty when it comes to the consumption of alcohol.”

Last Friday, police received a 3:30 PM call reporting a man had made threats and assaulted at least one person at the Groton Library before smashing a window at a nearby home. Police encountered a woman who said Garcia was inside a nearby apartment with a family member whom he had threatened, assaulted and was refusing to allow to leave.

Troopers established a perimeter, worked to remove other residents of the apartment building, and attempted to communicate with Garcia, who was armed with a handgun and had access to additional weapons, including knives and firearms. The family member later was able to leave the apartment.

After Garcia fled the apartment, a state trooper  apprehended him while he was actively resisting arrest.

The various victims reported either minor or no injuries. Property damage included broken windows.