DERBY LINE— A 28-year-old local man, Skylar Thatcher-Bushey, has been charged with reckless endangerment, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful mischief, and DUI following an armed standoff with law enforcement that ended without violence Tuesday evening.
The incident began when Vermont State Police responded to a disturbance call at a multiunit apartment building on Main Street in Derby Line at approximately 6:07 p.m. on June 28. Thatcher-Bushey was reportedly acting disorderly and had pointed a firearm at the building before retreating into his own apartment.
Upon arrival, troopers engaged with Thatcher-Bushey, who was non-compliant, threatening, and ignored commands from law enforcement. He also made statements suggesting suicide by cop, according to police reports.
The suspect was eventually deescalated and emerged from his apartment, where he was taken into custody without further incident. Further investigation by the police led to probable cause for the charges of reckless endangerment, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and DUI.
On his way to the Derby Barracks, Thatcher-Bushey reportedly caused damage to the back seat of a State Police cruiser by kicking the door, earning him an additional charge of unlawful mischief.
Thatcher-Bushey was ordered jailed without bail and transported to Northern State Correctional Facility.
During the incident, Main Street near the residence was temporarily closed to traffic. U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection also assisted Vermont State Police in managing the incident.
The victim of the assault, 60-year-old Mary Belisle, also a resident of Derby Line, was not reported to be injured during the incident.
I live in that building and witnessed the entire event….this is not an accurate description of what happened. the officers were heavy handed and excessive and put everyone here at risk…including kids, a pregnant woman, elderly…..very traumatic and poorly handled. They entered without a warrant and were intimidating and had zero talking skills, he did not talk any one down or get things worked out….far from it. barking orders while 6 snipers have their rifles trained on you is not talking. The police were scary and lacking “social skills”. Also note that Mary, the woman who placed the complaint has a history of calling the police constantly, she has “social issues” and let’s just say her credibility is shaky. Ask any of the neighbors. There is more here and the story being reported is not accurate. I thought you should know.
Thank you,
Sandra Garratt – Derby Line VT