A Hancock man was killed Wednesday morning in a single-vehicle ATV crash on North Hollow Road in Granville, according to Vermont State Police.

State police say that at about 7:43 a.m. on June 18, first responders were dispatched to the scene where they found the operator, 35-year-old Johnathan Belisle, deceased. Police say Belisle had been traveling northbound on a Kawasaki Prairie ATV in rainy conditions when he went off the left side of the wet roadway and struck a tree head-on.

Belisle was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, investigators noted. His ATV sustained significant front-end damage.

Valley Rescue and Deering’s Towing assisted state troopers at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933.

Ronald Finkley of Colchester arrested after leading police on a car chase, state police say

Spike strips end police chase – A Colchester man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading police on an early morning pursuit on Interstate 91 following a report of an impaired driver.

State Police say that at about 3:20 a.m. on June 16, Vermont State Police from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded to a report of an unresponsive driver in Lyndon. Before troopers arrived, the man regained consciousness and drove away from the scene.

Thanks to tips from members of the public, troopers located the vehicle traveling southbound on I-91 in the town of Barton. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop for observed motor vehicle violations, but the driver refused to stop, continuing at speeds between 40 to 60 miles per hour despite the use of emergency lights and sirens.

Troopers successfully deployed spike strips, which brought the vehicle to a stop a short time later. The driver, identified as Ronald Finkley, 52, of Colchester, showed numerous signs of alcohol impairment, police said.

Finkley was arrested without incident and transported to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. He is facing the following charges: Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol) – 3rd offense, Grossly Negligent Operation, Eluding a Police Officer, Driving with a Criminally Suspended License.

Finkley was issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court – Orleans Criminal Division on July 1.