by VDC staff

U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Swanton Sector report over 300 apprehensions between February 1 and May 31, despite an overall nationwide decline in illegal border crossings.

The individuals arrested came from 45 different countries, with the majority originating from India, Mexico, and Ecuador. Others hailed from nations as varied as China, Haiti, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

“Border security is national security,” a Border Patrol spokesperson said in a public advisory, linking immigration enforcement to overall public safety. Citizens are urged to report suspicious border activity by calling 1-800-689-3362.

Fire displaces 10 – Ten residents escaped unharmed from a multi-unit building fire Wednesday evening in downtown St. Johnsbury. According to the Caledonian-Record and the Journal-Opinion, the blaze broke out at 418 Railroad Street around 6:20 p.m., damaging both apartments and two first-floor businesses.

The fire was largely contained to the rear of the structure but required a six-hour street closure and assistance from multiple departments including Lisbon, Peacham, and Barnet.

The property is owned by Rural Edge, a nonprofit housing organization that is temporarily relocating tenants to hotels until alternative housing is arranged.

Sledgehammer assault in St. J – Police arrested Aaron Stevens, 24, of St. Johnsbury on charges of aggravated assault and unlawful mischief after he reportedly attacked someone with a sledgehammer and damaged a vehicle on Mount Vernon Street.

Officers responded to the scene around 6:20 p.m. on June 18. Stevens was processed and released on citation to appear in Caledonia County Court.

Child assault – William Mann, 61, of Wallingford, was taken into custody on June 26 at a Family Dollar store after police discovered an extraditable warrant from Massachusetts for alleged assault and battery on a child under 14.

Mann was transported to Marble Valley Correctional Facility and is being held on $25,000 bail pending extradition proceedings.