2 charged with kidnapping, attempting to murder woman in Peacham

ST. JOHNSBURY — Two people are facing multiple charges following an incident that took place in St. Johnsbury yesterday.

Mack Varnum, 45, of Peacham, has been charged with attempted first degree murder, kidnapping, and unlawful restraint.

Nichole Cloutier, 36, of Peacham, is being charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and aggravated assault.

On February 23, authorities say they were notified of a woman in a vehicle who had her hands bound together with duct tape and her head partially covered with a bag and duct tape.

The incident took place on Bay Street in St. Johnsbury.

The victim was freed by first responders and then transported to NVRH where she was treated and released.

While at NVRH the victim was interviewed by a detective with the St. Johnsbury Police Department, who learned that the incident took place in Peacham and Danville.

Police say the victim was picked up on the side of the road near Varnum’s residence in Peacham by Varnum and Cloutier in Varnum’s truck, at which point she was forcibly restrained and bound.

The victim was driven in the Peacham and Danville area and restrained for several hours, while her life was threatened.

At one point the victim was left alone in the truck, enabling her to break free enough to drive away in the truck and escape.

The victim then drove herself to Bay Street in St. Johnsbury.

On Friday, detectives and Field Force troopers located Varnum and Cloutier at Varnum’s residence and arrested them without incident.

Both were lodged at the Northeast Regional Correctional Center, held without bail.