Mason, already convicted of drug dealing, aggravated assault, and burglary, scheduled for arraignment today

Subject of Blue Alert manhunt was hiding next door

By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First

ST. JOHNSBURY – A dangerous St. Johnsbury felon wanted in connection with the shooting of a veteran local police officer during a domestic assault investigation on Friday, is due for arraignment in court today, officials said.

Police arrested Scott E. Mason, 38, of St. Johnsbury when he was found hiding early Sunday in a residence next door to the apartment house where St. Johnsbury Police Capt. D. Jason Gray was seriously wounded, officials said.

Scott E. Mason, 38, of St. Johnsbury was found hiding early Sunday in a residence next door to the apartment house where Capt. D. Jason Gray was seriously wounded, officials said.

Shortly after midnight, Vermont State Police obtained a search warrant from a judge for 251 Portland St. and converged on the residence about 2 a.m.

Police used a loudspeaker this morning to order Mason out of the house, a witness told Vermont News First.  Mason was warned that if he did not surrender peacefully that a Police K-9 would come in for him.  Mason soon walked out the front door, the witness said.

State police made no mention in its press release today about  anybody else at the residence, but Vermont News First has learned that a half dozen people were also found inside.  All denied that Mason was there, but police found otherwise.

Anytime after a felony crime somebody “harbors, conceals, maintains or assists such offender” with the intent to have the wanted person avoid or escape arrest, the person can be charged with being an accessory after the fact, Vermont law notes.  The person unlawfully helping can be imprisoned for up to 7 years and fined up to $1,000 in Vermont. 

Mason was brought to the state police barracks for processing, police said.  He was taken to the hospital for a quick medical check, brought back to the barracks and lodged about 6 a.m. at the Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury.  He was ordered held without bail.

Mason is due to appear in Vermont Superior Court in St. Johnsbury on Monday afternoon to face charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault on a law-enforcement officer resulting in serious bodily injury from the Friday incident.  The charges could be upgraded by prosecutors.

The half dozen people were identified by detectives and eventually released while police continued the investigation. 

State police had checked the apartment house at 251 Portland St. at least twice — on Friday after the shooting and Saturday morning following a tip. 

Police believe that after the final sweep of the home, Mason was allowed into the residence as a place for him to warm up overnight. 

It will be up to the elected state’s attorney in either Caledonia or Essex County to charge any of the half dozen people found with Mason in the apartment Sunday morning, officials said. 

Mason is also facing 26 unrelated felony counts of forgery in Essex County from last year.  Arrest warrants have been issued three times in the last 12 months because Mason failed to appear in criminal court in Essex County.  He also was failed for lack of $5,000 bail for his latest “no-show” in that case.

A press conference with state police and St. Johnsbury Police Chief Joel Pierce was held Sunday afternoon.

Among those involved in the early morning raid on the home were members of the Vermont State Police Field Force and Criminal divisions, the Tactical Services Unit, K-9 Unit, Narcotics Investigation Unit, and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program. Assisting agencies included the St. Johnsbury Police Department, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Enforcement & Safety Division, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, and CALEX Ambulance Service.

State Police offered thanks all assisting police and first-response agencies, municipal officials in St. Johnsbury, and members of the public for their support, patience and tips during this investigation.

Mason’s extensive criminal record has at least 6 prior felony convictions, including two  aggravated assaults, two burglaries, and single convictions for narcotics sale and being an accessory before the fact, the Caledonian-Record reported.

Mason also has been charged as a habitual offender, which carries a potential life sentence, but Vermont judges never impose the maximum penalty.