Vermont State Police On 10/03/18 at approximately 06:32 hours, Vermont State Police were dispatched to Rte-105 near Horseshoe Rd in Richford for a reported multi vehicle crash. Dispatch advised that fire and rescue were enroute and there was reported entrapment with injuries. Rte-105 was closed due to this crash for approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival, Operator #1, identified as Philip Benoit of Richford had been transported by ambulance to the hospital as well as Operator #2 identified as Jason Jewer and his passenger Wesley Golliot for injuries.
During the investigation of this crash, witnesses on scene stated that Operator #1 was driving erratically and had passed another vehicle heading east on Rte-105 towards Richford. Witnesses and evidence on scene indicated that Operator #1 had driven into the westbound lane of Rte-105 directly into the path of Operator #2. Both vehicles collided head on striking the front drivers side of both vehicles.
Interactions with Operator #1 indicated that he may have been impaired and was possibly driving while under the influence. While at the hospital due to his injuries, he was not able to consent for blood draw to have his blood tested for alcohol or drugs. State Police applied and were granted a search warrant for his blood. Results of the blood test are pending examination results at the Vermont Forensic Laboratory in Waterbury.
Operator #1's driver’s license was also criminally suspended and he also had two active arrest warrants. Operator #1 was also cited to appear before the Franklin County Superior Court, Criminal Division for DLS and Carless and Negligent Operation. This case remains under investigation.
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 18A204930
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Ben Patnode
STATION: St. Albans Barracks
CONTACT#: (802) 524-5993
DATE/TIME: 10/03/18 at approximately 06:32 hours
STREET: Rte-105
TOWN: Richford
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Horseshoe Rd
WEATHER: Rain
ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Phillip Beniot
AGE: 27
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Richford, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2003
VEHICLE MAKE: Ford
VEHICLE MODEL: Escape
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Total
INJURIES: Serious/Unknown
HOSPITAL: UVM Medical Center
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Jason Jewer
AGE: 37
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Derby, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2009
VEHICLE MAKE: Toyota
VEHICLE MODEL: Truck
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Total
INJURIES: Unknown
HOSPITAL: Northwest Medical Center
Operator #1 is currently in DOC custody due to Arrest Warrant
Court: Franklin County Superior Court, Criminal Division
Court Date: 12/31/18 at 1:00 PM
No mugshot available