Lunenburg man arrested after intentionally crashing into AOT building and damaging VSP barracks

A Lunenburg, Vermont, man faces multiple charges after intentionally driving into an AOT building Saturday morning, damaging the nearby Vermont State Police barracks, according to state police. Authorities said the incident began when 60-year-old Jeffrey Hale plowed his Ford Explorer into the front wall of the AOT building, which is located off U.S. Route 5. State police said the collision caused significant structural damage to the building, which is adjacent to St. Johnsbury Barracks. Hale then reportedly took a long-handled tantrum from a nearby construction trailer, damaging the barracks’ windows. Hale had also damaged an AOT pickup truck and smashed a portable construction light at a nearby construction site on Route 5, according to police. Police said Hale turned his attention to construction workers at the site and attempted to assault them. In his defense, one of the workers sprayed Hale with pepper spray. An Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to oversee the construction site was then able to subdue and arrest Hale. During their investigation, State Police determined the incident appeared to be random. Authorities reported no injuries. State work crews were assigned to board up damaged windows in the AOT building and VSP barracks. Officials said more work will need to be done next week. VSP officials continue to investigate the attack along with the Caledonia County District Attorney’s Office. On Saturday morning, Hale faced preliminary charges including aggravated assault, hit and run and resisting arrest. On Saturday evening, State Police provided an update on the charges being filed against Hale. He was additionally charged with gross negligent operation, driving under the influence, petit theft, reckless endangerment, obstruction of justice and two counts of criminal threatening, among others. A judge ordered Hale to be held without bail at the Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury. His arraignment is scheduled for 12:30 Monday afternoon in the criminal division of the Vermont Supreme Court.

SAINT JOHNSBURY, Vermont —

A Lunenburg, Vermont, man is facing charges after he intentionally drove into a transportation agency building Saturday morning, damaging the nearby Vermont State Police barracks, state police said.

According to authorities, the incident began when 60-year-old Jeffrey Hale crashed his Ford Explorer into the front wall of the AOT building on U.S. Route 5.

Hearst ownerVermont State Police

State police said the collision caused significant structural damage to the building, which is adjacent to the St. Johnsbury barracks. Hale then allegedly took a long-handled hammer from a nearby construction trailer and damaged the barracks’ windows.

Hearst ownerVermont State Police

According to police, Hale also damaged an AOT pickup truck and smashed a portable construction light at a nearby construction site on Route 5.

According to police officials, a worker at the construction site sprayed Hale with pepper spray when he turned his attention to the workers. An Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to monitor the construction site was then able to subdue and arrest Hale.

Hearst ownerVermont State Police

During their investigation, state police determined that the incident appeared to be accidental. Authorities reported no injuries.

State work crews have been assigned to board up damaged windows in the AOT building and VSP barracks. Officials said more work will need to be done next week.

VSP officers continue to investigate the attack along with the Caledonia County District Attorney’s Office.

Preliminary charges were filed against Hale on Saturday, including aggravated assault, hit-and-run and resisting arrest.

On Saturday evening, state police provided an update on the charges against Hale. He was charged with gross reckless driving, driving under the influence, petit theft, reckless endangerment, obstruction of justice and two counts of criminal threatening, among other charges.

A judge ordered Hale to be held without bail at the Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury. His arraignment is scheduled for 12:30 Monday afternoon in the criminal division of Vermont Superior Court.