Vermont State Police On August 22, 2018, at approximately 1558 hours, Tristan Cameron (victim) was traveling northbound on I-89 in the vicinity of mile marker 102 in the town of Milton. At that time, the victim was traveling in the left-hand lane in his vehicle, a white2004 Pontiac Grand Am. The victim was the only occupant in the vehicle. No injuries were reported in this incident.
Through continued investigation into the shooting on Interstate 89 north in the town of Milton, which occurred on August 22nd 2018, Troopers were able to locate an additional victim, Barbara Sawyer.
Sawyer was operating her vehicle on I-89 northbound near exit 17 in the left lane. As Sawyer changed lanes, a vehicle matching the description of Jason Dion's vehicle passed her on the left. The investigation revealed that as Dion passed Sawyer, a single projectile was fired into the driver side of Sawyer's vehicle. The projectile hit the rear driver side door and entered the vehicle. It is believed this occurred prior to the incident with Tristan Cameron and the pursuit that led to Dion's arrest.
Dion is currently held without bail at Northwest State Correctional Facility from the prior charges and is expected to be arraigned on the additional charges of attempted murder and reckless endangerment. At this time, the date and time for arraignment has not been set. Please contact Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division in St. Albans for additional information regarding arraignment time.
***Update Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018***
The Vermont State Police continues to investigate this case, including complaints that the suspect may have fired additional shots on Interstate 89 prior to the incident in Milton and St. Albans.
State police ask that anyone who encountered the vehicle or Mr. Dion on Wednesday afternoon contact investigators at the St. Albans Barracks at 802-524-5993.
Investigation reveals that Jason Dion (accused) alsowastraveling northbound on I-89 behind the victim. Multiple witnesses observed Dion operating his vehicle, a silver2013 Dodge Dart, erratically, passing vehicles in both the left and right lanes. Dion started passing the victim in the right-hand lane (while the victim was in the left-hand land) in an erratic manner. The victim advised he made a hand gesture at Dion, at which time multiple witnesses observed Dion shoot at the victim’s vehicle from what appeared to be a handgun.
Dion continued traveling northon I-89 as did the victim and multiple other witnesses. The victim called E-911 at which time troopers from the St. Albans Barracks responded and intercepted Dion as he continued northbound on I-89. Troopers attempted to stop Dion. Dion led troopers on a short pursuit, about3 miles,traveling at speeds of approximately 55 to 60 MPH. Dion stopped in the vicinity of mile marker 115 in St. Albans on I-89 northbound. Dion was taken into custody.At the time of arrest, a revolver-style handgun was recovered from Dion's vehicle.Shortly thereafter, Dion experienceda medical event. Troopers rushed Dion to the Northwestern Medical Center (NWMC) in St. Albans, where he is presently being treated. Troopers are investigating Dion for the potential of DUI drugs. Detectives with the Vermont State Police responded and assisted in the investigation.
Dion has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Gross Negligent Operation, and Attempting to Elude. Conditions and Bail ($50,000) were set on Dion. Dion remains at NWMC and was turned over to the custody of the Department of Corrections.
CASE#: 18A204166
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Lt. Jason Letourneau
STATION: St. Albans Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-229-9191
DATE/TIME: 8/22/18 at 03:58 PM
LOCATION: MM 102 (Milton) to MM 115 (St. Albans) I-89 northbound
VIOLATION: Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Gross Negligent Operation and Attempting to Elude.
ACCUSED: Jason Dion
AGE: 39
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Winooski, VT
VICTIM: Tristan Cameron
AGE: 22
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Albans, VT
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE: 8/23/18
COURT: Franklin
LODGED –Yes LOCATION: NWMC – under the custody of Dept. of Corrections
BAIL: $50,000
CASE#: 18A204166
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Det. Trooper James Vooris
STATION: Vermont State Police
CONTACT#: 802-229-9191
DATE/TIME: 8/22/2018 at about 4 p.m.
INCIDENT LOCATION: I-89 northbound Exit 17, Milton VT
VIOLATION: Attempted Murder, Reckless Endangerment
ACCUSED: Jason Dion
AGE: 38
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Winooski VT
VICTIM: Barbara Sawyer
AGE: 66
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Albans VT