She had her three young children in the car
By Mike Donoghue
Vermont News First
MIDDLEBURY — A Vergennes woman is facing multiple charges, including driving while under the influence of alcohol with death resulting after her car collided with a stopped motorcycle on U.S. 7 in Ferrisburgh on Wednesday night, Vermont State Police said.
Faith Hobson, 30, who lives at a Main Street homeless shelter, pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in Middlebury on Thursday afternoon to the DUI/fatal charge.
Kyle Conner, 31, of Monkton was killed in the crash near the Village Cafe and Tavern in Ferrisburgh, officials said.
Hobson told police she had just left Burlington City Hall Park and was headed to the John Graham Homeless Shelter in Vergennes.
In court, Hobson also denied a second DUI-related charge of driving with an alcohol level above 0.08 percent and a single count of gross negligent operation filed by prosecutor Peter M. Bevere.
Hobson had a 0.19 percent alcohol level when tested by state police, court records show. That is more than twice the legal limit in Vermont (0.08) when an adult driver is presumed under the influence.
While the initial Vermont State Police press release never mentioned any passengers, court records note Hobson had her three young children, ages, 10, 3, and 2 years-old, and a male companion, Prince Diaz, 27, in her car when she crashed.
Hobson admitted she had smoked marijuana earlier in the day when interviewed by Vergennes Police Detective Jill Harter, one of the first officers at the scene. Hobson said she had been prescribed some medications, but had not been taking them, police said.
Hobson told police that between her living arrangements and errands, she did not have time to get high, court records noted.
Judge Alison Arms agreed to release Hobson on strict conditions, including she is prohibited from driving any vehicle and is blocked from buying, possessing or drinking alcoholic beverages. Hobson also must submit to alcohol testing upon request by police, the judge ordered.
Connor had stopped his southbound 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport about 8:30 p.m. and planned to turn into the business when Hobson crashed into him from behind, state police said.
Trooper Branden Slaney said Connor was seriously injured and despite life-saving medical attention by first responders later died an hour later at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
Slaney said while speaking with Hobson at the scene, troopers detected indicators of impairment. Her eyes were bloodshot and watery, police said.
Police said Hobson insisted a couple of times she was not “inebriated” and that she had stopped drinking about 5 p.m.
Hobson said she had followed the Vermont Department of Liquor Control’s guidance that says to have no more than one shot of alcohol an hour, court records noted.
Hobson was screened for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently placed under arrest, Slaney said.
Hobson was transported to the Vergennes Police station for processing and later released with a citation ordering her to appear in Vermont Superior Court in Middlebury on Thursday afternoon to answer three criminal charges.
Connor’s motorcycle received “catastrophic” rear end damage from Hobson’s black 2012 Nissan Altima, Slaney wrote. Hobson was uninjured, but her car sustained extensive front end damage, police said.
The speed limit in the area is 40 miles per hour, and Hobson claimed she was going 40-43 mph and used cruise control, police said.
Slaney said based on the post-crash analysis, her speed appeared to be higher, police said. He noted that after impact the motorcycle continued further than expected for being hit at her estimated speed.
One witness told state police Hobson “came barreling right behind him” as Connor was stopped and trying to turn left into the business. “I don’t believe she even saw him,” police said she reported.
VSP Patrol Sgt. Jon Prack checked the motorcycle after the crash and determined the left turn signal was still activated and operational. The veteran officer also reported the rear nighttime running lights on the motorcycle were brightly illuminated.
The weather was clear and the pavement dry.
Also responding were Vergennes Police, the Vergennes and Ferrisburgh Fire Departments, and Vergennes Area Rescue Squad.
U.S. 7 was shut down in both directions for several hours between Greenbush Road and Stage Road.
Slaney said the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or with information is urged to contact the Vermont State Police at (802) 388-4919.