The operator of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle died Thursday night on a town road in Fairfax.

Shortly after 9 PM, Troopers from the St. Albans Barracks were dispatched to a reported crash near 370 Huntville Road in Fairfax. They found a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle which sustained damage from the roadway, and Randy Paquette, age 59, of Fletcher dead of injuries suffered in the crash. 

State police say Paquette was traveling south on Huntville Road. Less than a mile from Tabor Rd, he failed to negotiate a curve and was ejected from the bike.

Fireworks set car on fire – At 2:20 AM Saturday August 17, the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire at 398 South Main Street, Rochester and found the vehicle fully involved. They put the fire out quickly but the car was destroyed.   

Investigators say the vehicle owned by Chalamiysh Alexander had been parked in the driveway of 398 South Main Street awaiting repairs.

A vehicle had been seen driving up and down South Main Street in Rochester setting off various fireworks as it drove along the road and in very close proximity to the victim’s vehicle. It is likely embers from the exploded fireworks caused the fire.

This fire remains under investigation and is considered suspicious. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Sgt. James Wright at the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or by contacting the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program (VATAP) hotline at 1-800-32-ARSON (1-800-322-7766).