Editor’s note: VDC will not publish a daily edition today, but will update the VDC website as our staff’s Labor Day relaxation permits.

By VDC staff
A 28-year-old St. Johnsbury woman is facing a cruelty to children charge after police say a young child was found standing in an open third-floor window and officers were blocked from checking on the child for more than 20 minutes.

According to the St. Johnsbury Police Department, an officer responded to 369 Railroad Street at about 7:09 PM Sept. 2 after a caller reported seeing a child, estimated to be two or three years old, standing against the screen of an open window on the building’s third floor.

Police said the responding officer also saw the child standing in the open window.
Officers went to the apartment where they believed the child was located and attempted to contact Amelia MacDougall, 28. Police said officers knocked and announced themselves for about 20 minutes while children could be heard crying inside.

The St. Johnsbury Fire Department was called to help officers gain access to the apartment. According to police, as officers attempted to open the door, MacDougall pushed against it in an effort to keep them from entering.

Officers eventually entered and made contact with MacDougall and the children.
Police allege MacDougall knowingly delayed officers who were trying to determine whether the children were safe after the young child had been seen on the windowsill.

MacDougall was charged with cruelty to children. Police allege she willfully neglected the child’s safety by allowing him to be on the windowsill of an open third-floor window and then prevented law enforcement from checking on his welfare for more than 20 minutes.

MacDougall is scheduled to appear Oct. 5 in Caledonia County Court.

Youth arrested for 110 MPH in 50 MPH zone – Berlin Police cited a 17 year old Northfield juvenile to appear in court after they say he had speeding at 110 MPH in a 50 MPH zone on Rte. 62.

The stop took place on Sunday, September 6, while officers were conducting high-visibility traffic enforcement as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Labor Day Weekend enforcement campaign.

BPD made several other stops for speeding. They also said the following in a press statement:

Excessive speed significantly increases the risk of a serious or fatal crash by reducing a driver’s reaction time and increasing the distance needed to safely stop. At higher speeds, drivers also have less time to respond to changing traffic conditions, pedestrians, wildlife, roadway hazards, or the unexpected actions of other motorists.

The Berlin Police Department reminds motorists that speed limits are in place for a reason. Arriving a few minutes sooner is never worth risking your life or the lives of others sharing the roadway. Please slow down, remain attentive, and drive responsibly.