ST. JOHNSBURY — A 60-year-old Lunenburg man was jailed without bail Saturday following a series of alleged criminal acts at the Vermont Agency of Transportation and Vermont State Police building.
Jeffrey Hale, of Lunenburg, is accused of ramming his SUV into the AOT office at 1068 U.S.
Route 5 around 8:15 a.m., causing significant structural damage.
After the crash, Hale reportedly stole a steel tamper and proceeded to vandalize the VSP barracks’ windows, an AOT pickup truck, and a portable light at a construction site.
During the incident, Hale attempted to assault construction workers, prompting one to use pepper spray for defense.
An Orleans County Sheriff’s Department deputy at the site subsequently tackled and detained Hale.
The Vermont State Police have indicated that the assault appears to be random, with no injuries reported.
State work crews have boarded up the damaged property, with more repairs scheduled for the following week.
Hale is expected to face multiple charges, including aggravated assault, aggravated disorderly conduct, DUI, and felony unlawful mischief.
He will be arraigned on Monday at 12:30 p.m. in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court.
As the investigation continues, with the Caledonia County State’s Attorney’s Office consulting, additional charges against Hale may be forthcoming.
The affidavit of probable cause will be available after Hale’s arraignment.
