Wrong Way Driver, Two-Vehicle Collision
On June 30, at approximately 7:57 p.m., troopers from the Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury Barracks received reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-91 North. Callers advised that a Subaru was traveling southbound in northbound lanes on I-91, near mile marker 133 in St. Johnsbury at a high rate of speed. As troopers approached I-91 North Exit 21, in search for the wrong-way driver, they observed a silver 2014 Subaru Outback traveling south in the northbound passing lane. Trooper initiated their siren and blue emergency lights to deter and stop the wrong-way vehicle, as well as warn nearby northbound traffic.
Despite the trooper’s efforts to deter the wrong-way vehicle, the suspect vehicle continued southbound, failing to stop. The responding trooper was forced to merge from the left lane into the right lane to avoid being struck head-on by the wrong-way driver. The suspect vehicle came within feet of striking the responding trooper’s cruiser and was estimated to be traveling approximately 65 mph.
The vehicle continued traveling south on I-91 North, passing several vehicles at highway speeds. The suspect vehicle suddenly merged from the passing lane over two lanes to the Exit 21, I-91 North on ramp, which originates from US-2 East. The vehicle continued traveling the wrong-way up the on ramp, exiting the interstate, and continuing west in the eastbound lane of US-2. While doing so, the suspect vehicle crossed from the eastbound lanes into westbound lanes, disregarding posted “wrong way” signs. Moments later, responding troopers intercepted the suspect vehicle on the US-2/I-91 overpass and conducted a traffic stop.
Troopers secured the vehicle and identified the operator as David Capaccioli, of Plainfield. During the course of the investigation Troopers observed Capaccioli exhibiting several signs of impairment. He was taken into custody and transported to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. He was subsequently cited to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on July 8, at 8:30 a.m. for DUI No. 2 and Gross Negligent Operation.
On June 26, at 7:37 p.m., Troopers from the Berlin Barracks and Crash Reconstruction Team responded to a reported two-vehicle collision on Interstate 89 southbound. Evidence at the scene revealed that Vehicle #1 (name withheld pending family notification) was traveling north on I-89 when, for reasons still under investigation, crossed over the median, entered the southbound lane and struck vehicle #2, driven by Kelly Pelletier, of Plainfield, head-on. Operator #1 was pronounced dead at the scene and the sole occupant of their vehicle. Pelletier was transported to Central Vermont Medical Center for treatment.
This crash is still under investigation and members of the public with information which may assist investigators are asked to contact the Vermont State Police Berlin Barracks at (802) 229-9191.
Members of the Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Middlesex and Montpelier Fire Departments and Agency of Transportation.
On June 27, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Troopers from the Vermont State Police initiated a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation. The operator was identified as Joshua LeBlanc, of Hardwick. Further investigation revealed LeBlanc had driven while under the influence of drugs. While searching LeBlanc incident to arrest, he was found to be in possession of narcotics. He was taken into custody and transported to the Vermont State Police Barracks in St. Johnsbury. LeBlanc was processed and released on a citation to appear at the Caledonia County Superior Court – Criminal Division on August 15 at 8:30 a.m.
The State Police Report is based on information provided by the police and is not a comprehensive list of police activity. Individuals named in the police report are presumed to be innocent until they plead or are found guilty in court.
