VERGENNES — In a week in which Vergennes police, with help from Middlebury and Vermont state police, made a major arrest for attempted murder and arson (see story), they also handled other incidents, several of which involved calming frayed nerves and upset individuals.

Between Jan. 3 and 9, Vergennes police conducted four patrols by cruiser and two on foot, ticketed one car left on a city street in violation of the city’s wintertime overnight parking ban, and also:

On Jan. 3:

• Helped Valley Vista personnel calm a client who became unruly as she was leaving the program at 1 Alden Place.
• Worked with John Graham Shelter personnel to calm a resident who was yelling and breaking items in her room. Police said the resident relaxed enough to be allowed to stay at the shelter, at least for the night.

On Jan. 4 and 5 investigated slashed car tires and an arson fire that destroyed one car and damaged another and a nearby home, and afterward charged Eddy Santiago, 28, of Clifton Park, N.J., with several counts of attempted murder and arson. He pleaded innocent in court in Middlebury on Jan. 6 after Middlebury police arrested him in Sudbury on Jan. 5.

On Jan. 8 helped Vermont State Police by responding to a one-car accident on Monkton Road in Ferrisburgh and standing by until a wrecker arrived.

On Jan. 9 went to Shaw’s Supermarket to calm a dispute between a man and a group of maskless customers, who alleged the man was berating and threatening them. Police said they told the man he had to remain civil while expressing his opinion and not act in a threatening manner.