CONCORD — A 33-year-old Concord man was arrested Saturday after allegedly threatening residents with a shotgun and leading police on a pursuit through snowy terrain.
Joshua Chase was taken into custody on Oregon Road following a 4.5-mile tracking operation through wooded areas, according to the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.
Vermont State Police initially responded to a domestic incident at 2300 Oregon Rd at approximately 10 a.m. on March 29, with Essex County Sheriff’s deputies called for backup.
Before officers arrived, Chase reportedly smashed items inside the residence, then went outside with a shotgun after threatening to return and shoot residents and responding officers.
Authorities said Chase fired the shotgun three times and used a maul to smash a car window before fleeing on a snowmobile as officers arrived at the scene.
Deputies Cochran and Engel pursued Chase up Leonard Hill on unplowed roads with more than 6 inches of snow, following him onto an ATV trail along a powerline heading toward Route 2.
The pursuit continued for approximately 3.7 miles until Chase crashed his snowmobile and fled on foot, ignoring commands to stop.
Officials reported that Chase, who was already under Vermont Department of Corrections supervision, cut off his GPS tracker during the escape attempt.
Multiple law enforcement agencies established a perimeter, including Vermont State Police Troopers Brennan, Haley, Aremburg, and Pohlman, along with Sheriff Colby, Deputy Thomas, and Officer Gerrish from Lyndonville Police Department.
After tracking Chase through the woods for approximately 4.5 miles, officers apprehended him on Oregon Road without further incident.
Trooper Brennan is expected to file multiple charges against Chase, including first-degree aggravated domestic assault, attempting to elude, unlawful mischief, possession of firearms by a prohibited person, and being a habitual offender.
