Victim attacked with shovel in February

According to a state police report, Todd Amell, 53, of Valley Street, Springfield was shot in the leg Monday afternoon. It is the third illegal gunfire incident on Valley Street since April 5. In February, Amell was attacked at his home by a man wielding a metal shovel, police say. 

State police say the shooting occurred at about 2:30 pm. Amell was taken by ambulance to the hospital, treated and released. Investigators believe the shooting was not random and involved individuals who are known to one another. The people who were detained during the initial stages of the investigation have been released. There is no one in custody facing charges at this time. 

On February 19, Johnathan Clarke, 21, forcefully broke into a Valley Street home via a window and attacked Amell with a metal shovel. Clarke fled the spot after the incident.

At 3 pm on Saturday, April 23, state police were notified of a disturbance on Valley Street involving multiple reports of gunshots. A dark colored vehicle with no lights on was seen leaving the area traveling north on Valley Street toward Brook Road. Tuesday April 5 someone shot at a home on Valley Street. No-one was injured. Police detained a person of interest, but a day later no-one was in custody. It is not known whether Amell or Clark were involved in these incidents. 

Anyone with information that could be relevant to this case is asked to contact the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600. Tips also may be submitted anonymously online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

The Vermont Warden Service has closed its investigation into the fatal shooting of a German shepherd dog in Tunbridge.

Damon Dyer, 31, of Tunbridge was issued a citation for one count of cruelty to animals. Dyer is scheduled to appear in Orange County Court on June 29.

“This was an unfortunate and tragic loss of a beloved family pet,” said investigating officer Game Warden Sergeant Jeffrey Whipple. “I hope in the near future the family can find some peace.”