By Guy Page
A Lyndonville man faces multiple charges, including his sixth DUI, after police say he fled on foot from officers responding to a report of erratic driving Saturday night.
Lyndonville Police said they received a complaint at about 9:47 p.m. May 2 of a minivan operating erratically on Center Street. An officer located the vehicle heading toward the covered bridge before it pulled into the park-and-ride lot, where the driver fled into nearby woods. Police identified the suspect as Jason Larrabee, 36, of Glover, and took him into custody following a search.
Larrabee was charged with DUI #6 (alcohol/refusal), ignition interlock violation, grossly negligent operation (second or subsequent offense), violation of conditions of release, impeding public officers, and two counts of simple assault by menacing. Police said he refused to provide a breath sample and was lodged at Northeast Regional Correctional Facility on a probation violation warrant. He is scheduled to be arraigned May 13 in Caledonia Superior Court.
In a separate incident later that night, Vermont State Police cited a Rutland City woman for furnishing alcohol to minors after responding to complaints of loud music and underage drinking at a residence on Mountainside Road in Bridgewater. Troopers said they found multiple impaired juveniles at the scene and determined Sara Vitagliano, 51, had enabled the alcohol consumption. She was issued a citation and released.
While troopers were at that location, a vehicle driven by a partygoer reportedly sped away, nearly striking an officer. Police are seeking information about a silver or gray Subaru Forester believed to be involved.
Teen flees cops at over 100 MPH – Elsewhere, a 17-year-old was cited for felony attempt to elude after allegedly fleeing a trooper at speeds exceeding 100 mph on Interstate 89 near the Georgia rest area on May 3. Police said the driver later was located at a residence and released with a citation to appear in Franklin County Family Court.
100 MPH in Waterbury – Also on May 1, troopers cited a Waterbury man for driving 100 mph in a 65 mph zone on I-89 in Waterbury. Sean Gibbs, 48, is scheduled to appear in Washington County criminal court in June.
Threats made – In St. Johnsbury, a bomb threat prompted the evacuation of the Weidmann Electrical Technology facility on May 3. Police said the threat was found written in a bathroom. A search of the building found no credible danger, and the facility later reopened. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities also reported that a minor from out of state was identified as responsible for a series of social media threats targeting the Vermont State University Castleton campus in March and April. Investigators determined the individual did not have the means to carry out the threats.