A duck hunter’s discovery of a weighted bag containing firearms and electronics along the Black River has triggered an active investigation by the Vermont State Police, according to reporting by the Newport Dispatch and confirmations provided to VDC.

The hunter found the bag Sunday while hunting off Covered Bridge Road. Inside, he discovered what appeared to be a deliberately concealed cache: a handgun, a loaded AR-15 magazine with ammunition, clothing, three phones, a small camera, and additional items. The bag had been weighted down with two bricks before being submerged or left along the riverbank.

The hunter immediately notified Vermont State Police and later turned the bag over at the Derby Barracks.

VSP spokesperson Adam Silverman confirmed the discovery in a Nov. 3 statement.

“We did have an item of this nature turned in to the Derby Barracks,” Silverman said. “Our investigators are working to determine the exact location where the bag was found and what case, if any, it might be connected to. Given that this is an active and ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time.”

The hunter had scheduled an interview with the Newport Dispatch but was later asked by police not to discuss the matter publicly. Silverman said the request was standard practice.

“During active and ongoing investigations, releasing too much information prematurely to the public has the potential to jeopardize a case,” he said.

State police have not indicated whether the firearms or electronics are connected to any known investigation.

St. Johnsbury man accused of forcibly taking municipal truck, crashing on New Boston Road

A St. Johnsbury man is being held without bail after police say he forcibly took control of a town-owned truck with an employee inside before crashing it minutes later.

According to a Vermont State Police news release, troopers were alerted around 12:05 p.m. Monday to the theft of a municipal GMC Sierra near Fairbanks Scales. Investigators say Nicholas Pinto, 36, forcibly entered the vehicle while the town employee, Daniel Gray, 63, was still inside. A struggle reportedly ensued before Pinto gained full control of the truck and drove off.

The vehicle was found moments later crashed into concrete bollards and a power pole on New Boston Road. Troopers arriving on scene detained Pinto as he attempted to exit the wrecked truck.

The vehicle was totaled. Pinto was taken to the St. Johnsbury barracks and processed on multiple charges, including assault and robbery, gross negligent operation, aggravated operating without the owner’s consent, and aggravated disorderly conduct. He is scheduled to appear in Caledonia Criminal Court on Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m.

Enosburg man arrested after allegedly trying to enter occupied home through window

ENOSBURG — State police say a 39-year-old man was arrested Sunday evening after attempting to enter an occupied residence on Bismark Street through a window.

Troopers from the St. Albans Barracks responded to a report of a property dispute around 5 p.m. A subsequent investigation determined that Shane Robtoy attempted to enter the home while people were inside. Robtoy was arrested, processed, and transported to Northwest State Correctional Facility. He is being held on $200 bail.