By Guy Page

A Williamstown man has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after allegedly killing his family’s dog with a lethal weapon during a domestic dispute September 25.

Christopher Covey, 43, of Williamstown, was cited by Vermont State Police following an investigation into a reported family fight on Flint Road at about 1:38 PM.

Police allege Covey intentionally and maliciously tormented the family dog, inflicting severe pain and suffering that resulted in its death. Investigators said a lethal weapon was used but did not identify the weapon or provide further details about the circumstances.

Covey was cited to appear October 21 at 8 AM in Orange County Superior Court, Criminal Division, to answer to a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals resulting in death.

Shaftsbury man charged with manslaughter in driveway death

Arthur G. Coons, 67, of Shaftsbury, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the May 31 death of Philip Mecik, 39, of Dorset.

According to Vermont State Police, Coons was driving in the driveway of a Dorset residence when he accelerated and struck Mecik and the house with his vehicle. Mecik was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, police determined there was probable cause to charge Coons with manslaughter, alleging he operated the vehicle recklessly and negligently.

Coons voluntarily surrendered to the Shaftsbury Barracks on October 15. He was processed and released on his own recognizance with a citation to appear November 2 at 8:30 AM in Bennington County Superior Court.

Maine motorcyclist seriously injured in Waterford crash

A 64-year-old Maine woman suffered serious injuries Thursday, October 15, when her motorcycle struck a guardrail at the Interstate 93 and Interstate 91 interchange in Waterford.

Tracy Arsenault of Rumford, Maine, was operating a 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide at approximately 11:26 AM when she lost control on the ramp connecting I-93 northbound to I-91 southbound, according to Vermont State Police.

The motorcycle sustained substantial damage. Arsenault was transported to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and later airlifted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for further treatment.

State Police, the St. Johnsbury Fire Department and Calex Ambulance responded. Weather was clear and road conditions were dry. Police did not report a cause for the crash beyond the apparent loss of control.

Berlin Mall trespass suspect cited after employees report intimidation

A 58-year-old Washington County man has been cited for unlawful trespass following repeated visits to the Berlin Mall despite an active notice prohibiting him from entering the property.

Berlin Police responded October 15 after receiving complaints that Douglas Marshall, described as a transient resident of Washington County, had continued entering the mall despite previously being served with a Notice Against Trespass.

According to Sgt. Chad Bassette, employees of mall businesses reported that Marshall had displayed aggressive and confrontational behavior, leaving some workers intimidated and fearful for their safety.

Marshall was cited to appear in Washington County Superior Court in late November. The police release identified two counts of unlawful trespass.

Police also served Marshall with an updated trespass notice prohibiting him from returning to the mall property.