Beat Putney man, stole his truck, Police say

By VDC staff

A days-long manhunt for two Vermont fugitives wanted in connection with a September 20 road rage shooting incident ended Monday evening with their arrest in Massachusetts, following a high-speed, multi-jurisdictional pursuit that spanned two states and included an alleged assault and vehicle theft in southern Vermont.

Justin French, 36, and Kayla Cabey, 33, both of Bradford, Vermont, were taken into custody by Massachusetts State Police on the evening of September 29, 2025, after leading authorities on a dangerous chase that began in Springfield, Vermont.

According to the Vermont State Police, French and Cabey were the subjects of arrest warrants stemming from an investigation into a shooting on U.S. Route 302 in South Ryegate. The shooting, which occurred during a road rage incident, resulted in multiple felony charges, including Attempted Murder (x2), Reckless Endangerment, and Criminal Threatening.

Authorities received numerous tips from the public in the days following the incident. By the morning of September 29, investigators had narrowed French and Cabey’s location to the Springfield area. Members of the Vermont Drug Task Force spotted a vehicle believed to be associated with the pair and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to comply and fled at high speed, prompting a Be On the Lookout (BOL) alert across southern Vermont.

Shortly after, Brattleboro Police located the vehicle and made a second unsuccessful attempt to stop it. The suspects again eluded law enforcement and disappeared in the area of Putney.

Later that day, another public tip led troopers to a logging road in Putney. While searching the area, Vermont State Police received a 911 call reporting a violent home invasion: a man had been assaulted, his residence burglarized, and his cellphone and truck stolen.

Police believe French and Cabey were responsible for this second incident. A new BOL was issued for the stolen vehicle.

Massachusetts State Police intercepted the stolen truck in West Springfield, MA. The vehicle was successfully stopped, and both suspects were taken into custody without further incident. French and Cabey are currently being held in Massachusetts, where they face additional charges related to the vehicle theft and assault.

Authorities say further charges are expected in Vermont following the events of September 29. The investigation remains active, and a new update will be released upon its conclusion.

In a statement, Vermont State Police expressed gratitude to the public and partner agencies for their assistance:

“The Vermont State Police would like to thank members of the public for all of the tips, and all of the agencies involved in the search for and eventual capture of French and Cabey.”

Timeline of Events:

• 09/20/2025: A shooting during a road rage incident on U.S. Route 302 triggers a statewide investigation.
• 09/29/2025 (Morning): French and Cabey are spotted in Springfield, VT. A police chase begins.
• 09/29/2025 (Afternoon): The suspects evade law enforcement twice and allegedly assault a man and steal his truck in Putney.
• 09/29/2025 (Evening): Massachusetts State Police stop the stolen truck in West Springfield and apprehend both suspects.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111 (option 8) or submit an anonymous tip online at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.