ADDISON COUNTY — Vermont State Police on Jan. 2 cited Justin R. Schroeder, 30, of Salisbury for burglary of a recreational vehicle parked off Woodpecker Lane at Kampersville in Salisbury last May 20. The arrest came after months of investigation in a case that police said was sealed by DNA evidence found at the crime scene.
As reported by the victims last May, the break-in at the R.V., which served as a seasonal residence, caused approximately $3,035 in damages. Personal property was also stolen from the seasonal home.
At the time of the initial complaint DNA evidence (blood) was secured from the door of the R.V. and sent to the Vermont Forensic Lab for analysis. The blood was processed through an FBI database known as CODIS, for Combined DNA Index System, and a Schroeder was ID’d as a suspect based on a prior blood sample he had provided. Police said when they interviewed Schroeder concerning the incident he requested an attorney.
After obtaining a warrant, police secured a new DNA sample through Schroeder’s saliva. Schroeder’s DNA evidence was sent to the lab for comparison to his existing blood sample on file. On Dec. 30, the Vermont Forensic Laboratory reported that the two items submitted for analysis matched, and he was subsequently cited.
Schroeder will be required to answer the charge in Addison District Court on Jan. 30.
In other recent activity, VSP:
•  On Dec. 27 at 3:45 p.m. responded to a one-car accident on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh. Police said that Jacqueline E. Couture, 69, of Ferrisburgh fell asleep while driving a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis southbound on Route 7, traveled off the east side of the roadway and came to rest in the yard of the former Sky View Motel. Couture was transported to Porter Hospital for precautionary reasons after saying she had sustained low back strain. The trooper issued a written warning for failing to drive on the right. He said neither speed nor impairment were factors in this collision.
•  On Dec. 28 responded to a reported incident in Bristol that resulted in Mark Brace, 49, of Vergennes being cited for domestic assault.
•  On Dec. 29 at a little after 6 p.m. were called to investigate a burglary at a Route 7 home in Salisbury. Numerous items with a value totally $6,500 were reported missing, including firearms, jewelry, various liquors and numerous other personal belongings. Anybody with any information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police New Haven barracks at 802-388-4919.
•  On Dec. 31 at 8:15 a.m. responded to a one-car accident on Plank Road in New Haven. The road was wet and the weather was described as cloudy with misty rain. Police said that Madeline M. Palmer, 65, of Ferrisburgh was traveling west on Plank Road when she lost control of the 2010 VW Golf she was driving and collided with a utility pole. The car sustained moderate right front bumper and quarter panel damage, but Palmer was not injured. The trooper said that neither speed nor impairment were contributing factors in this collision, and he issued a written a warning for failure to maintain control.
•  On Jan. 2 at 1:47 a.m. stopped a car driven by Casey Burke, 22, of Fair Haven on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh after receiving a tip from an anonymous caller, who reported a car was “all over the road.” The trooper cited Burke for driving under the influence and gave the 20-year-old passenger a civil ticket for consumption of alcohol by a minor.