Flagger hit in New Haven, driver charged with DUI drugs

Vermont State Police On 08/23/2019 at approximately 0813 Troopers from the Vermont State Police were detailed to the area of Ethan Allen Highway (USHY # 7) and VT Rt 17 for reported traffic crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival to the area it was learned that James P Alger, an employee of the LPD Traffic Control Services had been struck by a northbound vehicle operated by Jennifer L Bergevin.

Preliminary investigation indicates Alger was performing his duties as "flagger" in the Railroad Crossing Construction Zone at the aforementioned location:  Bergevin was traveling northbound at a rate of approximately 30 miles per hour; the posted speed limit of the construction zone.  Bergevin subsequently struck Alger.  Alger was stabilized at the scene by first responders from Vergennes Area Rescue Services and Middlebury Regional Emergency Services.  Due to his injuries, Alger was transported to Porter Hospital via ambulance then to UVM Medical Center by DART Helicopter.

Alger is currently listed in Critical Condition at UVM.  As part of the investigation, Bergevin was transported to the Vermont State Police Barracks in New Haven for processing.

Upon completion of the processing of Bergevin by Drug Recognition Experts (DRE), it has been determined that Bergevin was operating her motor vehicle on a Vermont Public Highway while impaired.  Bergevin has subsequently been charged with the crimes of Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs and Gross Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle; serious bodily Injury resulting.

Jennifer L Bergevin

Vermont Criminal Violation:  

23 VSA 1201(a)(3)  Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs:

23 VSA 1091(b)(3)  Grossly Negligent Operation; Serious Bodily Injury Resulting:    

LODGED -  NA   

BAIL:

MUG SHOT: Y

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: ADDISON

COURT DATE/TIME: 10/21/2019               

This crash remains under investigation.

CASE#:  19B502320                                                          

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME:  Sgt. Stephen McNamara  

STATION:  Vermont State Police - New Haven                                     

CONTACT#:  802-388-4919

DATE/TIME:  08/23/19 @ 0813 hrs.

STREET:  Ethan Allen Highway (USHY #7)

TOWN:  New Haven Junction

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS:  VT RT 17 - Rail Road Crossing

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER:  NA

WEATHER:  Clear, full sun.           

ROAD CONDITIONS:  Dry, free from debris.  Construction Zone with traffic control

present.

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR:  Jennifer Bergevin

AGE: 49    

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:  Middlebury, VT

VEHICLE YEAR:  2015 

VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet

VEHICLE MODEL:  CRUZ 

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Hood, front end, windshield

INJURIES:  None

HOSPITAL: NA

PEDESTRIAN:

NAME:  James Alger

AGE:   38  

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:  Barre, VT

VEHICLE YEAR:  NA

VEHICLE MAKE:  NA

VEHICLE MODEL:  NA

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE NA

INJURIES:  Severe facial and Internal Injuries

HOSPITAL: UVM Medical Center