ADDISON COUNTY — For the past few years, Vermont State Police have not disclosed the blood alcohol level shown by defendants at traffic stops for driving under the influence. But late last week the agency changed its policy and began releasing that information again.
Troopers working out of the New Haven barracks issued three DUI citations last week — two of them before the change in policy on releasing blood alcohol content went into effect. First, on Sept. 30 at 9:17 p.m. Trooper Hanley stopped a car driven by Joshua LaFlam, 25, of Forest Dale for allegedly speeding on West Salisbury Road in Salisbury. The trooper cited LaFlam for driving under the influence of alcohol. The next evening, Trooper Flansburg stopped a vehicle driven by Karey A. French, 26, of Hinesburg on Route 7 in New Haven, and cited French for driving under the influence.
On Friday, Oct. 3, at 11:30 p.m. Trooper Daley stopped a motor vehicle driven by Tamatha Clark, 43, of Bristol on Plank Road in Bristol for a traffic infraction. Police said a roadside test showed her blood alcohol content was 0.099 percent and cited her for driving under the influence; the legal BAC limit for driving is 0.08 percent.
In other recent activity, state police:
•  On Sept. 29 at 9:56 p.m. responded to a one-car crash on North Street in New Haven. Police said 18-year-old Anthony Woods of Bristol was driving a 1999 Subaru Legacy northbound when two dogs ran across the road. Woods swerved to avoid hitting the animals, and the Subaru struck the guardrail. Woods sustained minor injuries — a minor burn to the elbow and an injured finger — as a result of the crash. State police do not believe that alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision. Police determined that Woods’ vehicle was a total loss.
•  On Sept. 30 heard from a Starksboro man that someone had stolen approximately 14 antique wood beams that were being stored in an unsecured barn off of Ferry Road in Charlotte. The beams, which were going to be used in a home construction project, are approximately 150 years old and are worth between $3,000 and $5,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Andrew Leise at VSP’s Williston barracks at 1-802-878-7111.
•  On Oct. 1 at 8:13 p.m. responded to a one-car collision with injuries on Clark Road in Cornwall. Kevin Pratt, 55, of Whiting told police that he was driving a Mercury Cougar westbound on Clark Road at approximately 40-50 mph when he lost control of his vehicle, resulting in the Cougar overturning before coming to rest in a hedgerow. State police do not believe alcohol or drugs were contributing factors. Pratt, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained minor injuries — minor soreness in his lower back and a bloody nose — and his vehicle was totaled.
•  On Oct. 2 were told that between Sept. 18 and Oct. 2 a camper on a Cross Road property in Ferrisburgh had been broken into. The property owner said it appeared that access was gained to the camper by removing the screen on one of the side windows and then using something to pry the window open. Several towels, bedding and clothes were taken and bowls of tea and sugar were emptied out all over the floor.
•  On Friday, Oct. 3, received a call at 4:50 a.m. from a driver who had collided with a dead horse on Route 22A in Bridport. Police reported that Eric Baker, 38, of Whitehall, N.Y., was traveling to work northbound on Route 22A at approximately 3:30 a.m. when a horse ran into the roadway. Baker told troopers he thought he had hit a moose with his 1994 Saab, and had called VSP as soon as he had cell service. Before being able to place his call, the horse was hit by a second vehicle, a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Justin Stearns, 28, of Whiting. Police suspect the horse — described as a brown and blue roan, shoeless gelding that was wearing a turn-out halter — did not suffer and died quickly upon impact.
Both vehicles were damaged but driven from the scene, with no injuries to the drivers, according to police.
Troopers identified the owner later in the day. State police offered thanks to the many local first responders and community members who assisted at the scene of the accident.
•  On Oct. 5 at approximately 6:43 p.m. cited Tara Tower, 37, of Monkton for driving on Monkton Road in Monkton with a criminally suspended license.