On March 30, 2015 at 0605 hours Trooper Ben Barton was operating a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria State Police cruiser on the US Route 7 northbound on ramp in Sunderland. While traveling up the ramp, a vehicle traveling southbound on Route 7 lost control and crossed the center line. It was snowing and the road was slippery, according to the VSP report. The vehicle crossed the northbound lane and a grass area before continuing down the off ramp in Trooper Barton's path of travel. Trooper Barton veered to the right and avoided a head-on collision but was struck on the driver's side rear door and fender.
After coming to a stop, Trooper Barton exited the cruiser and observed the other vehicle involved fleeing the scene. Troopers were able to identify the vehicle as a 2013 - 2015 Subaru Cross Trek, silver or gray color from debris left at the scene. It was last seen traveling south on US Route 7 towards Bennington. Unknown registration at this time. There should be damage sustained to the driver's side front corner fender and headlight assembly.
Trooper Barton reported no immediate injuries as a result of the crash. He was brought to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for a precautionary evaluation where he was treated and released.
Sergeant Brian Turner is the investigating Trooper for this crash and is seeking assistance from the public in locating the vehicle and operator who fled the scene. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Sgt. Turner of the Shaftsbury Barracks at 802-442-5421.
DETAILS
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
CASE#: 15C300932
TROOPER: Sgt. Brian Turner
STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-442-5421
DATE/TIME: 3-30-15 /0605 hours
LOCATION: US Route 7, exit 3, Sunderland VT
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Unknown
DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE: 2013-2015 Subaru Cross Trek
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: Left front corner and headlight assembly.
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Tpr. Benjamin Barton
AGE: 30
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT
DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE: 2010 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: Damage to the left driver's side door, fender and bumper.
INJURIES
Op #2, Tpr. Barton, reported no obvious injury. He was evaluated at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington where he was treated and released.
HOSPITAL: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
WEATHER: Snowing
ROAD COND: Snow covered and slippery
Source: Vermont State Police 3.30.2015