By VDC staff
Two St. Johnsbury residents have been arrested and additional charges are expected following a multi-agency investigation into a series of business break-ins, vehicle break-ins and vehicle thefts in the St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville areas, police said.Joseph Greenwood, 46, faces multiple counts of aggravated operation without owner’s consent, violation of conditions of release and additional charges that remain pending. Katie Ricker, 26, has been charged with accessory aiding in the commission of a felony, unlawful trespass into a motor vehicle and impeding.
The Vermont State Police, Lyndonville Police Department and St. Johnsbury Police Department have been investigating multiple incidents involving businesses, repair shops and vehicle dealerships over the past several weeks.
The investigation led to a large police search Tuesday, Aug. 25, after Lyndonville police responded shortly before 1 PM to a report of a suspicious vehicle at the VFW in Lyndonville.
Police found a silver Honda Civic that had been reported stolen from a local dealership. Investigators said the Civic was displaying a New Hampshire registration plate that had been attached to another vehicle reported stolen from a local repair shop.
Lyndonville Officer Gerrish attempted to stop the Civic, but police said the driver fled. A short time later, the male driver and female passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
Police captured the driver, identified as Greenwood. Officers from Lyndonville police, Vermont State Police and the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department then conducted an extensive search for the female passenger but were unable to locate her that day.
Investigators subsequently identified the woman as Ricker.
At about 8:55 AM Wednesday, Aug. 26, St. Johnsbury Police Detective Sgt. Cleary located Ricker on Railroad Street in St. Johnsbury and took her into custody.
State police charged Ricker with accessory aiding in the commission of a felony and unlawful trespass into a motor vehicle. Lyndonville police also charged her with impeding. She was ordered held on $5,000 bail.
Greenwood initially was held on $25,000 bail on charges brought by the three investigating police agencies. Following his Aug. 26 arraignment, the court ordered him held on $5,000 bail.
Police said the investigation remains active and additional charges against both Greenwood and Ricker are anticipated in connection with the series of break-ins and vehicle thefts.