TUNBRIDGE — Vermont State Police responded to a single-vehicle accident on Ward Hill Rd on Nov. 15 at approximately 12:08 p.m., where they found a Chevrolet Silverado with minor damage and no reported injuries.
The operator, Michael Hill, 59, of Strafford, was observed walking near the crash site and identified himself to troopers as the driver of the crashed vehicle.
During the investigation, it was determined that Hill was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and with a criminally suspended license.
Further inspection of the vehicle revealed a loaded long rifle, which was seized by authorities at the scene.
Hill was taken to the Royalton barracks for processing and subsequently issued a citation to appear in Orange County Criminal Court on Dec. 4 at 8:30 a.m. to face charges for driving under the influence and driving with a criminally suspended license.
In addition to the charges from State Police, Wardens from the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife issued Hill a criminal ticket for possessing a loaded long rifle in the vehicle, a violation of state regulations.
The cooperation between the State Police and the Wildlife Wardens helped ensure a comprehensive response to the incident.
