MILTON — A coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles and the arrest of two individuals this week, authorities said Wednesday.
On Dec. 9, just after 2 p.m., the Milton Police Department was called to the Raj Liquor and Beverage at 69 Middle Road for a reported vehicle theft.
The owner, who had briefly returned to the store, witnessed an unidentified woman driving away in the car.
Efforts to stop the theft were dangerous, as the thief drove toward the owner.
Local police departments, utilizing a tracking device in the stolen vehicle, successfully located it hours later on Meadow Road.
Subsequent investigation pinpointed a residence at 98 Meadow Road, which became the focus of further police attention.
On Dec. 13, as officers from Milton, Vermont Fish and Wildlife, Vermont DMV Enforcement, Colchester, Burlington, and South Burlington Police Departments prepared to execute a search warrant at the location, another vehicle was reported stolen from the Redwood Jolly Gas Station at 250 US Route 7.
The rapid response allowed officers to apprehend Nichole B Strickland, 32, who was operating the second stolen vehicle on Hobbs Road.
The ensuing search of the Meadow Road residence led to the recovery of property from both stolen vehicles and the arrest of Kyrsten St Martin, 33, for an unrelated parole violation.
St Martin was taken into custody without incident.
Strickland is currently being held at the Chittenden County Regional Correctional Facility with bail set at $5,000.
She faces charges including Assault and Robbery, and Grand Larceny, each carrying a potential ten-year sentence.
Additional misdemeanor charges include Operating Without Owner’s Consent, Violating Conditions of Release, and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs.
