Public safety officials respond to fatal crashes

Vermont Business Magazine Meeting in Waterbury today, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, Thomas D. Anderson, and the Director of the Vermont State Police, Colonel Matthew T. Birmingham expressed their sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones on Vermont’s highways this year. Of the 9 fatalities that occurred over the last 4 days, 7 occupants were not wearing seatbelts, with 1 ATV death. Law enforcement can point to many studies that indicate when a seatbelt is used, occupants of a vehicle are more likely to survive a traffic crash.

The Vermont State Police recognize the following critical areas as priorities within Vermont’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan:

Seatbelt Use – To date this year, 57% of motor vehicle occupants in fatal crashes were unbelted. The lack of seatbelt use is the most common factor in all fatal Vermont highway crashes, and the simplest behavior to change. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), unbelted vehicle occupants are 30 times more likely to be ejected during a crash.

Impaired Driving - To date this year, 44% of operators of motor vehicle fatalities are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. After the lack of seatbelt use, impaired driving is the second most common factor contributing to fatal crashes in Vermont. Specifically, there has been an increase in drug impaired driving on Vermont’s highways, reflecting the current efforts to train officers as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). Sixteen (16) Vermont law enforcement officers will begin DRE training later this month to add to the current 38 officers statewide.

Speed and Aggressive Driving - From 2004 through 2015, this behavior contributed to 37% of all fatal crashes in Vermont, and is one of the main focuses of high visibility enforcement on Vermont’s highways. Operation Safety Corridor and Operation Safe Travel on Roads In Vermont Everyday (STRIVE) both focus on this behavior for enforcement.

Distracted Driving - Law enforcement and the public have seen an increase in usage of mobile electronic devices and other distractions by operators on Vermont highways. In 2015, Vermont law enforcement issued 3833 traffic violations under Vermont’s texting and hands-free laws. In 2016 that number increased to 4378; a 14.2% increase over 2015. Although under-reported, distracted driving was noted as a contributing factor in an average of 7 fatal crashes per year, accounting for 11% of all fatal crashes from 2011 – 2015.

The Vermont State Police, the Vermont Highway Safety Alliance and its partners have multiple annual highway safety enforcement and education efforts, including Operation Safety Corridor, Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE), Operation STRIVE, Click It or Ticket, sobriety and safety checkpoints, Operation Sharp Eyes Everywhere (SEE), and more. Many of these efforts are high visibility enforcement, and are traffic safety approaches designed to deter and alter dangerous driving behaviors. Through these programs and other efforts, the Vermont State Police and its partners will continue to promote safe driving habits in our effort to save lives. We hope you will join us.

VSP Cases:

CASE#: 17B502681

TROOPER RANK / FULL NAME: Trooper Eden Neary

STATION: NEW HAVEN

CONTACT#: 802-388-4919

DATE/TIME: August 7, 2017 approximately 1241 hours

STREET: Vermont Route 22A

TOWN: Bridport

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: N. Cream Hill Rd

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: Not Applicable

WEATHER: Cloudy, Dry

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry pavement

(The fourth victim of the crash has been identified as Jennifer N. Valdez, age 34, of Westerville, Ohio.)

VEHICLE #1

VEHICLE YEAR: 2001

VEHICLE MAKE: Volkswagen

VEHICLE MODEL: Beetle

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

HOSPITAL: NO TRANSPORT

OPERATOR: Steven Holmes

AGE: 20

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Chatsworth, GA

HOSPITAL: NO TRANSPORT

PASSENGER: Amber Brewer

AGE: 19

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Dalton, GA

HOSPITAL: NO TRANSPORT

PASSENGER: Justin Hendrix

AGE: 38

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bryceville, FL

HOSPITAL: NO TRANSPORT

PASSENGER: Female, pending next of kin notification

AGE:

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pending next of kin notification

HOSPITAL: NO TRANSPORT

VEHICLE #2

VEHICLE YEAR: 2000

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: Truck

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

OPERATOR: Lisa Nunez

AGE: 51

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Leesburg, FL

INJURIES: Injuries sustained to both legs/Non-life threatening.

HOSPITAL: UVM Medical Center

PASSENGER: Thomas Sykes

AGE: 27

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Wilmer, AL

INJURIES: Non-life threatening injuries

HOSPITAL: UVM Medical Center

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

Troopers with the New Haven Barracks responded to a two vehicle crash on Vermont Route 22A near North Cream Hill Rd in Bridport, VT. Upon arrival troopers discovered a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle collided head on with a 2000 Ford F-350 Truck. When emergency personnel arrived they discovered the four occupants of the Volkswagen Beetle were deceased.

The operator of the Volkswagen was identified as Steven Holmes (20) of Chatsworth, GA. The passengers in the Volkswagen were identified as Justin Hendrix (38) of Bryceville, FL, Amber Brewer (19) of Dalton, GA and a female who’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The operator of the Ford Truck was identified as Lisa Nunez (51) of Leesburg, FL. Ms. Nunez sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to UVM Medical Center. The passenger in the truck, who was identified as Thomas Sykes (27), also sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to UVM Medical Center.

Preliminary investigation has determined V#1 (Volkswagen) was traveling northbound on Vermont Route 22A when, it crossed over the centerline, for an unknown reason, and struck V#2 (Ford Truck) head on in the southbound lane. Both vehicles sustained heavy front end damage.

The Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Vergennes Police Department, Bridport Fire Department, Townline First Response, Middlebury Rescue and Middlebury Heavy Rescue.

The cause of this crash is still under investigation, anyone with information please contact Trooper Eden Neary at the New Haven State Police Barracks.

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: N/A

LODGED NO - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N

COURT ACTION: None at this time

COURT: N/A

COURT DATE/TIME:

PBT: N/A

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CASE#: 17A503199

TROOPER: Josh Mikkola

STATION: VSP Derby Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

DATE/TIME: 8/7/17 @ 1541 hours

STREET: VT RT 58

TOWN: Brownington

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Intersection with Hunt Hill Road

WEATHER: Light Rain

ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Michael D. Bachman

AGE:36

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: E. Calais, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 1984

VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota

VEHICLE MODEL: Station Wagon

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Deceased

HOSPITAL: N/A

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Alan Poirier

AGE: 59

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Barton, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 1987

VEHICLE MAKE: Mack

VEHICLE MODEL: 10-wheel Dump Truck

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Extensive front end damage

INJURIES: none

HOSPITAL: N/A

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 8/7/17, at approximately 1541 hours, the Vermont State Police were notified of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hunt Hill Road and VT RT 58 in Brownington, VT. Upon arrival, both vehicles were facing south positioned partially on the roadway. Investigation has revealed that vehicle 1 was traveling south from Hunt Hill Road and attempted to enter the intersection but did not yield to the oncoming Vehicle 2 which was traveling west on VT RT 58. It was a broadside collision with the dump truck colliding with the driver’s side of the Toyota. Traffic traveling on VT RT 58 has the right of way. There is a stop sign located at the intersection indicating vehicles on Hunt Hill Road to stop.

Vehicle 1 is totaled as a result of the crash. Vehicle 2 sustained extensive front end damage. Law Enforcement personnel from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and VT DMV Inspectors assisted at the scene. Orleans VFD and EMS also responded to the scene.

Investigation into further details of the crash is still pending.

COURT ACTION: N

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CASE#: 17A103456

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Corporal Mark Magnant

STATION: Williston Barracks

CONTACT#: 802-878-7111

DATE/TIME: 08/07/17 05:30 hours (time reported)

STREET: I89S

TOWN: Milton

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Exit 17

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: Mile Marker 98/65

WEATHER: Clear, mild

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Armelindo Marchesini

AGE: 51 yoa

SEAT BELT? No

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: South Burlington, Vermont

VEHICLE YEAR: 2016

VEHICLE MAKE: Freightliner

VEHICLE MODEL: 3500

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Total Loss

INJURIES: Fatality

HOSPITAL: N/A

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 8/7/2017 at approximately 0530 hours Vermont State Police were notified of a single vehicle crash on I-89 southbound in the town of Milton. The operator and lone occupant of the vehicle, Armelindo Marchesini was found deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation determined the vehicle, a delivery truck, was southbound on I-89. It traveled off the southbound shoulder of the roadway, in the area of mile marker 98/65. Upon leaving the shoulder of the roadway the vehicle struck a large tree. Marchesini was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Troopers were assisted on-scene by the Vermont DMV Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Team, Colchester Police Department, Colchester Center Fire Department and Colchester EMS.

Traffic at the scene was reduced to one lane for approximately five hours while the crash was investigated and the vehicle was removed.

Marchesini was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Corporal Mark Magnant of the Vermont State Police (802)878-7111.

Vermont Civil Violation Complaint ______________ T23 VSA _______

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: N/A

COURT ACTION: N/A

COURT: N/A

COURT DATE/TIME: N/A

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CASE#: 17B105024

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Zachary Gauthier

STATION: VSP- Westminster

CONTACT#: 802-722-4600

DATE/TIME: 08/06/2017 @ 2354 hours

STREET: Interstate 91 north; mile marker 43

TOWN: Springfield

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS:

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: Mile Marker 43

WEATHER: Clear and cool

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Jeremy P. Johnston

AGE: 26

SEAT BELT? No

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Randolph, VT

VEHICLE YEAR: 2004

VEHICLE MAKE: Subaru

VEHICLE MODEL: Forester

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled

INJURIES: Fatal

HOSPITAL: Springfield Hospital

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On the evening of 08/06/2017, Vermont State Police were dispatched to a report of a single vehicle rollover on Interstate 91 north, near miler marker 43, in the town of Springfield, VT. Members from Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Rescue Squad and Springfield Police Department also responded. Operator 1 was transported by the Springfield Ambulance to the Springfield Hospital. Operator 1 was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Initial investigation revealed that Vehicle 1 was traveling north on Interstate 91 north, near mile marker 43, when the vehicle went off the west shoulder of the roadway and made driver side impact with a large tree. Vehicle 1 then rolled several times and Operator 1 was ejected from the vehicle. Preliminary investigation revealed that Operator 1 was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was not properly restrained. At this time speed appears to be a factor in the crash. The crash is still under investigation at this time and anyone with any information regarding this crash is urged to contact the Vermont State Police - Westminster Barracks at (802)722-4600.

MUG SHOT: N

COURT ACTION: N

COURT:

COURT DATE/TIME:

Source: Waterbury, VT / August 8, 2017 - Public Safety