Public Safety: August 6-12

Wilmington escapes serious flooding during heavy rains
WILMINGTON- During the heavy rains and flood warnings on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 28 and 29, Wilmington officials kept a close eye on water levels in local rivers and streams. Wilmington Police frequently checked water levels throughout their shifts as the rainfall totals accumulated.
At about 4 pm on Wednesday, July 29, it was reported the water level in the Deerfield River was at 11 feet, based on the markings on the bridge in the center of town. A previous report showed 6.5 feet. With additional rain forecasted for the afternoon, additional staff was called in to call local businesses and residents along the river to begin moving vehicles out of potential flood areas and to think about moving basement items to higher levels.
While police were checking areas around town, an officer reported a potential opening in the roadway on East Main Street in a construction area. The Wilmington highway and water departments responded quickly to assess the situation. While on site, the area began to open more, creating concern that a sink hole could develop. Local agencies stabilized the area and provided a safe cover to keep traffic moving and prevent further damage until the construction company could make repairs. The highest water level reported at the bridge was 11.5 feet. Water levels were monitored throughout night with no further incidents reported.
Wilmington man arrested for alleged early morning attack
WILMINGTON- Police responded to a 911 call for a report of a citizen dispute at about 12:35 am on Thursday, July 30. During the investigation, it was reported a male subject had smashed three windows on a vehicle with a crowbar in a private driveway, assaulted the caller, and threatened to assault the owner of the vehicle. EMS was requested for the victim.
During their investigation, police identified Shontee Smith, 43, of Wilmington, as the suspect in the incident. While police were conducting their investigation, Smith called and requested to turn himself in. Officers responded to Smith’s address where he was located and arrested. EMS was called to respond for injuries and to evaluate Smith, who was transported to the hospital for further medical treatment. Once discharged, Smith was transported to Wilmington Police Department where he was processed and cited to appear in Windham Criminal Court to answer to the charges of aggravated assault, unlawful mischief, violating conditions of release, and disorderly conduct.
Police charge Dover man with domestic assault
DOVER- Police were dispatched to 45 Dover Hill Road for a report of a family dispute at about 11:54 pm on Thursday, July 9. The alleged victim told police she was attacked in her bedroom while sleeping by her ex-boyfriend/roommate. Police say their investigation indicated that Nicholas Strom, 53, of Dover, committed the offense of domestic assault. Strom was processed at the Dover Police Department and later lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility. He was cited to appear in Windham Criminal Court to answer the charge.
Roommate charged with aggravated domestic assault
DOVER- Police were dispatched to Captain Copeland Road for a welfare check on an individual who was in an altercation with his roommate on Sunday, July 19. Police say their investigation revealed that Jamie McDowell, of Dover, committed the offense of aggravated domestic assault. McDowell was transported to the Dover Police Department for processing and was later lodged at the Southern State Correctional facility. He was cited to appear in Windham Criminal Court to answer the charge.
Warrant issued for violation of conditions of release
DOVER- Police received a report of a violation of conditions of release on Wednesday, July 15. The complainant advised that she was contacted by text message from an offender who was issued conditions of release that prohibited him from knowingly initiating contact with the victim. A warrant was requested and issued for his arrest.
Driver in ditch charged with DUI
DOVER- Police received a report of a vehicle in a ditch at the intersection of Route 100 and Dover Green Loop. The officers made contact with the driver, Logan Moore, 33, of Wilmington, and say they detected signs of intoxication. Moore screened and transported to the Dover Police Department for processing. He was cited to appear in Windham Criminal Court to answer the charge of driving under the influence.
Police say burnout driver broke window
DOVER- Police officers responded to a report of vandalism at about 12:12 am on Monday, July 27, on Carinthia Lane. The caller advised a truck was doing burnouts in the parking lot of Carinthia and stones broke a window in his parked vehicle. Investigation revealed that Jason Davies, 20, of Dover, was the driver of the vehicle in question. Davies was arrested and transported to the Dover Police Station for processing. He was cited to appear in Windham Criminal Court to answer the charges of unlawful mischief and driving with a criminally suspended license.
Police seeking driver in Woodford crash
WOODFORD- Police are seeking help from the public to identify a vehicle and driver who allegedly left the scene of a crash on Route 9 at about 4:56 pm on Thursday, July 30. Police say their investigation indicated that a Concord, MA, driver was traveling east on Route 9 and slowed to turn left into a driveway when an unknown older model truck, described as possibly brown, attempted to pass on the left and struck the front of the turning vehicle. The driver of the truck failed to stop and left the scene, driving east on Route 9. Police say the truck may have had a Vermont registration with a partial plate number of 733. Anyone with information is asked to contact Vermont State Police Sgt. Colin Shepley at (802) 442-5421.
Rutland resident faces multiple charges
WARDSBORO- Following a report of an assault on Thursday, July 30, police charged Harmony Fortune, 24, of Rutland with aggravated assault, simple assault, and criminal mischief for the alleged assault of two people. Fortune was cited to appear in Windham Criminal Court to answer the charges.
Stratton man charged following complaint
WARDSBORO- Police investigating a motor vehicle complaint at about 7:14 am on Wednesday, July 28, say they determined that John Read, 54, of Stratton, committed the offenses of negligent operation and disorderly conduct. Troopers later made contact with Read in Townshend, and issued a citation to appear in Windham Criminal Court to answer the charges.