by Guy Page

Berlin police have cited Scott Haldane, 60, of Washington, Vermont, in connection with nine separate thefts from Price Chopper/Market 32 on Ames Drive.

Police said the thefts occurred between August 1 and September 12, 2025. Following a public appeal for help, investigators identified Haldane as the suspect.

He was served a notice against trespass on October 3, and issued a citation to appear in Washington County court on November 13. Haldane has a previous law enforcement history associated with drug use, as this encounter with police, published in the Times-Argus (first in 2013, and updated in 2018), recalls:

“Trooper Slusser said that when he walked around to talk to the front seat passenger, Scott Haldane, 47, of Barre City, Haldane at first wouldn’t roll down his window. When Haldane finally opened the door, Slusser said he had obvious track marks. suggesting intravenous drug use up and down his arms and his pants were unbelted and unzipped. The trooper said Haldane offered up one small baggie of heroin but when he turned around there was an obvious bulge in the seat of his pants the size of a pool ball which Slusser said turned out to be 35 grams of heroin.”

Sheffield man charged with sexual assault of a child

Vermont State Police have arrested Thomas Pullen, 36, of Sheffield, on charges of sexual assault and five counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.

Police said the offenses occurred between 2023 and September 2025 and involved a female known to Pullen, beginning when she was 13 years old.

Pullen was lodged at the Northeast Correctional Facility without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on October 6, 2025, in St. Johnsbury.

Montpelier police respond to swatting hoax

At 3:39 p.m. on October 4, Montpelier police received a 911 call from a juvenile reporting a shooting at a housing complex on Cummings Street.

Officers, assisted by the Vermont State Police, searched the complex and found no victims or evidence of a shooting. Investigators determined the call was a swatting hoax intended to trigger a large police response.

The Montpelier Police Department said the case is under investigation with the Vermont Intelligence Center and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

Fair Haven woman accused of identity theft and fraud

Vermont State Police have charged Heidi Ward, 52, of Fair Haven, with 33 counts of identity theft, 33 counts of credit card fraud, and providing false information to police.

Police said Ward used credit cards belonging to Barry Book, 66, of Benson, to send herself money through Cash App and make purchases at various locations in Rutland County. She allegedly lied to investigators during the probe.

Ward was cited and released following her arrest on September 15, 2025.

Randolph man arrested on outstanding warrant

On October 4, Vermont State Police from the Royalton Barracks responded to a report of a man passed out in a vehicle on Rand Road in Randolph.

Troopers identified the man as David Larrabee, 36, of Randolph, who was wanted on an arrest warrant for aggravated domestic assault in the first degree, criminal threatening, and aggravated cruelty to animals. Larrabee was also found to be in violation of multiple court-ordered conditions of release.

He was taken into custody and lodged at Southern State Correctional Facility for lack of $1,000 bail. Larrabee is scheduled to appear in court on October 6, 2025.

Eden Mills man cited for excessive speed

On the morning of October 4, Troopers patrolling Interstate 91 south observed a vehicle traveling at 105 mph in a 65-mph zone.

The driver was identified as Alex Bowen, 21, of Eden Mills. He was issued a citation to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on November 3, 2025, to answer to a charge of excessive speed.