by Guy Page

A driver performing a ‘burnout’ maneuver in a pickup truck last week discovered that where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

The incident was one of four vehicular-related incidents reported by Vermont police over the weekend.

Vermont State Police are investigating a vehicle fire that occurred Friday afternoon on Swamp Road in Newbury. At approximately 1:53 p.m on July 18, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded to the scene along with firefighters from the Wells River and Ryegate Fire Departments.

According to Myautomachine.com, “Burnouts are a popular way to showcase your  truck’s power and performance…put your truck in neutral and rev the engine up to around 2000 RPM. When the engine is revved, quickly engage the clutch and slam on the gas pedal. Keep your foot on the brake while doing this to prevent your truck from rolling forward. You should feel your truck’s  tires spinning and smoking as you execute the burnout. If everything goes according to plan, you should see a cloud of tire smoke behind your vehicle.”

No doubt the driver saw the satisfying smoke plume. However, the investigation revealed that the fire began after an unknown person performed a “burnout” in a blue 2010 Dodge Dakota, causing one of the tires to ignite. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the entire vehicle.

The driver fled before emergency crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. Authorities noted that the vehicle had been parked at the P&H Truck Stop in Newbury for several days and was last seen leaving the area around 1:30 p.m. without a front windshield and carrying a load of scrap wood.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Rodzel at 802-222-4680 ext. 8, or submit an anonymous tip.

Montpelier police urge cyclists to register bikes amid theft spike

In response to a rise in bicycle thefts, Montpelier Police are reminding residents to register their bicycles with the department as outlined in city ordinances. 

The free registration program helps identify and return lost or stolen bicycles by collecting make, model, and serial number information. Officers note that many stolen bikes were left unsecured and urge cyclists to always lock their bikes and removable parts like seats and helmets.

Bikes can be registered in person at the Montpelier Police Department. To report a theft or suspicious activity, call (802) 223-3445.

Felon at large after vehicle chase

A brief but dangerous vehicle pursuit on July 16 has led to a warrant for the arrest of Mark Sutton Jr., 25, of Waterbury, who remains at large.

Police say the vehicle, stolen from Williamstown the day before, was spotted at a residence on Hebert Road. When officers attempted a stop on US Route 2 in East Montpelier, Sutton allegedly fled, leading police on a chase down Muddy Brook Road. The pursuit was discontinued for public safety, though a tire deflation device deployed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department failed to stop the vehicle.

Sutton, who is already the subject of multiple arrest warrants in Vermont and New Hampshire, is now facing additional charges, including, Eluding law enforcement, Grossly negligent operation, Possession of stolen property, Violation of court-ordered release conditions.

Anyone with information on Sutton’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Montpelier Police.

Castleton woman cited for blocking traffic, punching vehicles

A 58-year-old Castleton woman was cited after reportedly yelling obscenities, blocking traffic, and punching vehicles near Patricia Lane and Main Street.

Troopers from the Rutland Barracks responded at around 11:58 a.m. on July 20. The woman, identified as Heather Curavoo, was taken into custody and charged with Disorderly Conduct. She was later released with a citation to appear in Rutland County Superior Court – Criminal Division.