VERGENNES — Vergennes police wrapped up their holiday campaign against impaired driving on Dec. 31 by issuing a citation to Matthew J. Plankey, 31, of Virginia for driving under the influence of drugs.
Police stopped a vehicle driving by Plankey during the last of three major patrols conducted in the Vergennes during the holiday season, the first of which came back on Dec. 14, according to Chief George Merkel. One was done with the cooperation of Bristol police.
In all, Merkel said, during the patrols officers made 76 traffic stops, issued 42 tickets, arrested one motorist for driving with a criminally suspended license, cited two drivers for DUI-alcohol, and issued the DUI-drugs citation on the 31st.
In other action between Dec. 31 and Jan. 6, Vergennes police:
On Dec. 31 responded to a home on Panton Road in Panton when a girl alone there called and said she heard four car doors closing nearby; police went to make sure there was no threat, but found nothing.
On Jan. 2 and 3 twice calmed a dispute at a Walker Avenue apartment between a resident and his ex-girlfriend, who both times was retrieving clothing from the apartment.
On Jan. 3:
•  Ticketed two cars left on city streets after hours in violation of the city’s wintertime parking ban.
•  Checked the welfare of a parent after a child arrived on foot at Vergennes Union Elementary School and said no parent was aware the child had done so, and the child had nearly been struck by a vehicle. School officials called police when the child’s mother did not answer the phone. Police spoke with the mother and then informed the Department for Children and Families of the situation.
•  Were told by a First Street resident that she was worried a man nearby was watching her daughter; police spoke with the man and determined there was not a problem.
•  Conducted a special traffic patrol on West Main Street.
•  Searched unsuccessfully for a truck on Route 22A after a report of erratic driving.
On Jan. 4:
•  Ticketed one car in violation of the city’s wintertime parking ban.
•  Determined that a report of a prowler on East Street was unfounded.
•  Handled a minor two-vehicle accident on North Green Street.
•  Helped the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad on Walker Avenue.
•  Checked an erratic-driving report on Route 7 and determined the wind was causing a truck to weave.
•  Backed up Bristol police while they made an arrest.
On Jan. 5:
•  Ticketed one car in violation of the city’s wintertime parking ban.
•  Conducted a special traffic patrol on West Main Street and issued one ticket.