ADDISON COUNTY — Troopers at the New Haven barracks of the Vermont State Police are investigating several recent vehicle break-ins in Lincoln, Goshen and Ripton.
In five incidents on Nov. 5, 6 and 8, victims left their vehicles parked at trailheads, including the Lincoln Gap Road trailhead and the Silver Lake Trail head, around 2 or 3 p.m. Upon return each victim found a vehicle window smashed and items were taken. Reported stolen from the vehicles were cash, tablets, power tools and cameras.
Anyone with information regarding suspicious activity or information relating to any of these incidents is asked to contact state police at the New Haven barracks. Police advise people who intend to enjoy hiking and other activities in the area to not keep items of value in vehicle left at trailheads, and certainly not leave items in plain view in cars.
In other recent activity, state police:
•  On Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. investigated a one-car crash on South Lincoln Road near the Lincoln town garage. Police report that Michele Haskins, 51, of Lincoln lost control of the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am she was driving and crossed the center of the road, colliding with guardrails and causing moderate damage to the front end and driver side. Police blamed bald tires for the loss of control. Haskins was transported to Porter Hospital, where a Drug Recognition Expert evaluated her for impairment due to drugs. Haskins remained at Porter Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment for head lacerations.
•  On Nov. 12 at 7:30 a.m. were called to Daigneault Hill Road in Orwell for the report of a vehicle that had slid off the roadway. Troopers said they were met by Cory Nichols, 29, of Hudson Falls, N.Y., who told them that at approximately 1 a.m. he was driving his vehicle on Daigneault Hill Road when the vehicle stalled, slid down the hill and came to a crashing halt 30 feet off the roadway. During the course of the conversation with Nichols, troopers said they detected a slight odor of intoxicants. Nichols submitted to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, the results of which confirmed the suspicion that Nichols was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, troopers allege. Troopers report that at least six and a half hours after the car went off the road, they tested Nichols’ blood alcohol content at roadside and it measured 0.174 percent — more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. Police cited Nichols for driving under the influence.
•  On Nov. 13 at approximately 12:38 a.m. stopped a motor vehicle on Monkton Road in Monkton. Police said driver Theresa Findeisen, 61, of Manchester emanated a moderate odor of intoxicants and failed field sobriety tests but refused a breath test. Police cited Findeisen for driving under the influence.
•  On Nov. 15 at 9:05 a.m. stopped a motor vehicle for a speeding on Route 7 in New Haven. The trooper cited the driver, Harold Babbie, 28, of Champlain, N.Y., for driving with a criminally suspended license.
•  On Nov. 15 at 6:15 p.m. rushed to a three-car crash on Bristol Road in Monkton. State police report that 57-year-old Martin McLaughlin of Essex Junction was driving northbound on Bristol Road at approximately 38 mph; McLaughlin told police that he did not remember much about the collision itself.
Daniel Browdy, 49, of Middlebury told police that he was driving southbound on Bristol Road at approximately 40 mph when McLaughlin’s vehicle crossed the center line, striking a Volvo driven by Brady Hoffman, 29, of Williston before it continued and struck Browdy’s BMW. All vehicles sustained moderate damages as a result of the collision. Hoffman was transported to UVM Medical Center for further treatment/evaluation
During the course of the conversation with McLaughlin, the trooper said a moderate odor of intoxicants was emanating from McLaughlin. McLaughlin submitted to field sobriety tests and a roadside breath test showed his blood alcohol content as 0.167 percent.