Authorities say that after a lengthy investigation by the Vermont State Police and the Newport Police Department, it was determined that Tyler Benoit, 18, of Newport, was one of the suspects involved in a brazen rash of overnight burglaries that took place across Lowell. In total, seven homes and businesses were broken into.
The crime spree began sometime after midnight on November 24, when a stolen vehicle turned up at a home located at 6380 Route 100 in Troy. The suspects entered the homeowner’s garage and made off with two ATVs.
By mid-morning one of the ATVs was discovered parked behind Newport Center Elementary School. The other ATV was recovered later that day behind an apartment building on Highland Avenue, in Newport.
Police believe the suspects that were driving the stolen vehicle made off with the ATVs, then embarked on the series of burglaries throughout the night. Most of the homes that were broken into were occupied at the time.
Kenneth Dufour, 61, of Lowell, reported the suspects entered through an unlocked door and stole cash, a digital camera, and a pair of binoculars from him. They then entered his garage and went through his vehicle.
Another victim, Juanita Tetreault, 54, of Lowell, said the suspects entered through an unlocked door and stole her purse, including the wallet, cell phone, and cash that was inside.
They then forced their way through a side window at Flash’s Fix It Shop, a small engine repair business owned by Andre Tetreault. The break-in caused extensive damage, and the suspects made off with cash taken from the shop.
Merle Crawford Sr., 69, of Lowell, had cash and medication stolen that night after the suspects entered his home through an unlocked rear door.
Benoit, who is on probation in Orleans County, is being held on lack of $7,500 bail set by Orleans County Court. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected.
