BETHEL — A homeless man from the Chelsea area was arrested after a series of vehicle thefts, assaults on law enforcement, and burglaries across Windsor and Orange counties.
Kyle Pickett, 28, led multiple law enforcement agencies on a dangerous pursuit that began on Nov. 24 when Windsor County Deputy Weyant spotted a stolen Subaru Outback in Bethel.
The situation escalated when Sheriff Palmer attempted to stop the vehicle, resulting in a collision with the sheriff’s SUV, causing an estimated $10,000 in damage.
The pursuit continued, with another crash involving the stolen Subaru on North Road where it struck several trees.
Despite a $500 reward offered by the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) and community support leading to the identification of the passengers, Pickett remained at large.
On Nov. 25, WCSD and Randolph Police located Pickett in a second stolen vehicle.
Sheriff Palmer and Lt. Battista’s attempt to stop him led to another pursuit that ended with a crash in Bethel and Pickett fleeing on foot.
The fugitive’s crime spree included a house burglary in Strafford, where he stole two firearms and abandoned the Subaru.
The homeowner, away at the time, was notified, and the scene was secured.
On Nov. 26, Pickett was discovered on security footage breaking into a home on North Main Street in Bethel.
Vermont State Police Tactical Services and Crisis Negotiations Units were called, and after significant damage to the property and the use of tear gas, Pickett surrendered.
Pickett was arraigned on Nov. 27 in White River Junction at Windsor Superior Court, where he was held on $100,000 cash or surety bail.
He faces multiple charges and is also wanted in New Hampshire on two felony charges.
Thanks to the collaborative effort of WCSD, VSP, local police, and dispatchers, two stolen vehicles, three firearms, and two burglaries were resolved, and a dangerous criminal was taken off the streets.
