By Guy Page

A Maine man has been identified as the victim of a fatal UTV crash Saturday night on Suncrest Road, according to the Vermont State Police.

David McGuire, 39, of Maine, died at the scene from injuries sustained when a six-passenger utility terrain vehicle left the roadway, went down an embankment and struck multiple trees at about 8:25 p.m. April 18.

Police said the vehicle, a 2025 CF Moto 1000XL, was carrying five people at the time of the crash.

A 13-year-old passenger suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where the juvenile remains hospitalized. A second juvenile, age 15, was taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries and later released.

A third passenger, Tammy Bice, 43, of West Pawlet, was transported to Albany Medical Center with severe injuries and remains hospitalized.

The operator, Ellsworth A. Reed, 33, of West Pawlet, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He has been charged with DUI with death resulting and was arraigned April 20 in Bennington County Superior Court.

Investigators said seat belts were reportedly in use. The vehicle sustained extensive damage.

The crash occurred under clear, dry conditions. 

Teen critically injured in crash – An 18-year-old driver suffered critical injuries in a single-vehicle crash Monday evening on New Boston Road in St. Johnsbury.

Police said Shamar McCullough, 18, of St. Johnsbury, was driving south when the vehicle crested a hill, lost control, and spun sideways before striking a telephone pole on the passenger side.

McCullough was taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center with critical injuries. Two passengers, ages 15 and 16, who were not wearing seat belts, were transported to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Speed is believed to be a factor. Anyone with information is asked to contact Vermont State Police.

Another wrongway driver – A Sheffield woman was cited after allegedly driving the wrong way on Interstate 91 late Monday night in Lyndon.

Troopers received multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle traveling south in the northbound lane near mile marker 140. Police located and stopped the vehicle near mile marker 134.

The driver, identified as Elba Morin, 62, of Sheffield, was taken into custody and later released with a citation to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on a charge of gross negligent operation.

112 MPH – A Franklin man was cited for negligent operation after allegedly driving 112 mph on Interstate 89, police said.

According to Vermont State Police, troopers conducting speed enforcement April 20 near mile marker 111 clocked a vehicle traveling well above the 65 mph limit using LIDAR. The driver, identified as Gabriel Bates, 21, of Franklin, was stopped and taken into custody without incident.

Bates was issued a citation to appear in Franklin County Superior Court on May 26 and a civil violation ticket with a waiver amount of $696.