The Barre City Police Department is investigating a vandalism incident at the Armed Forces Recruitment Center located at 302 N. Main Street in Barre. Sometime during the overnight/early morning hours of March 23, an individual(s) painted anti-war graffiti along the front and side of the building that appears to be referring to the conflict in Gaza. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer James McGowan.

Ski resort voyeur – Vermont State Police are seeking public assistance in identifying a man involved in a voyeurism incident at Jay Peak Resort on March 19. Authorities released surveillance footage showing the suspect, who is currently under investigation.

The incident, which took place at the popular ski resort, was reported to the police following the discovery of the suspicious behavior. The state police are urging anyone with information about the male seen in the footage to come forward.

Trooper Anthony Rice is leading the investigation. Witnesses or individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact him at 802-334-8881. 

Catalytic converter thief suspect dies of drug overdose – Adam Hale, 44, of West Burke has died of a drug overdose, according to a report in the Caledonian-Record. He was to stand trial for theft of catalytic converters in New Hampshire. His alleged partner in crime, Christopher Rivers, will stand trial for the October, 2022 burglaries.

Suit against Northfield police settled for $150K – Debra Kew, formerly of Northfield, settled her civil rights lawsuit against the Town of  Northfield, its Police Department, and police officers Michael Gero and Brian Hoar for $150,000, according a statement issued by her law firm,  Tarrant, Gillies & Shems.

 On August 22, 2017, Northfield Police Officers Michael Gero and Brian Hoar conducted a welfare check  on Kew, a U.S. military veteran. Kew had not committed a crime. The welfare check was because of concerns about Kew’s  safety.   Ms. Kew was emotionally and physically disabled and had warned repeatedly of her intent to commit suicide. 

At the time of this welfare check, she relied on a  wheelchair and could not walk without support, Attorney Ron Shems said.

The suit claimed that, within seconds of entering Kew’s apartment, Officers Gero and Hoar had  grabbed Kew, forced her to the ground and handcuffed her, and then left her on the floor for forty-five  minutes—even though the officers knew she was physically and emotionally handicapped, unarmed, and not dangerous. The suit claimed the officers injured her wrist and arm, which required hospitalization, surgery, and  left permanent scarring. 

The factual background contained in a FindLaw post offers a more detailed, nuanced description – including the claim that she had repeatedly threatened suicide and was known to cut herself with blades. [Editor’s note: the FindLaw post contains multiple expressions of profanity.]