Police: Derby man seriously injured in hit-and-run on Route 5A

By Keep Vermont Safe,

On April 5, 2025, Vermont State Police responded to reports of a pedestrian lying in the road near VT Route 5A in Brownington. Deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department were first on scene and found Rickey Laprade, 64, of Derby lying in the southbound lane. Laprade’s vehicle was found parked in the northbound lane nearby.

Subaru WRX

According to investigators, Laprade had exited his vehicle for unknown reasons and was struck by another car while in the roadway. The vehicle fled the scene.

Troopers say Laprade showed signs of impairment and was later processed for DUI while being treated for serious injuries. He was initially transported to North Country Hospital and is expected to be transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Parts recovered at the scene suggest the vehicle that hit Laprade is a black 2015–2017 Subaru WRX or STI. The vehicle likely has damage to the front passenger bumper, passenger side mirror, and front wheel well.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Trooper Anthony Rice at 802-334-8881 or submit a tip online at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

Shrewsbury man charged with sexual assault following earlier domestic investigation

A Shrewsbury man already facing domestic assault charges is now accused of sexually assaulting the same victim.

According to Vermont State Police, 63-year-old Joseph Marro was first arrested on February 27, 2025, after troopers responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Shrewsbury. During follow-up interviews, the victim disclosed an alleged sexual assault that occurred between December 2024 and February 2025.

Detective troopers with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted a separate investigation and charged Marro with sexual assault. He was issued a citation and arraigned at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility on April 1, 2025.

Rutland man jailed, woman cited after drug bust on Quarterline Road

Two people were charged with felony drug possession after Vermont State Police responded to a disturbance call on Quarterline Road in Rutland Town.

On April 6, 2025, at around 7:30pm, troopers arrived at the scene and found Eric Stephens, 59, of Rutland, and Misty Martelle, 39, inside a parked vehicle. Police say they observed suspected cocaine in plain view.

Eric Stephens

Both were taken into custody, and the vehicle was seized pending a search warrant. Police later found additional cocaine inside the car. Martelle was cited and released, while Stephens was taken to jail on $10,000 bail. He is also accused of violating conditions of release and is classified as a habitual offender.

Newport Center woman accused of ramming two cars in Orleans crash spree

A Newport Center woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly striking two separate vehicles during a string of crashes in Orleans on April 6.

At around 5:15pm, Vermont State Police received a call from a driver on I-91 North who reported a blue Chevy sedan had rear-ended their vehicle multiple times before fleeing. Shortly after, another caller reported a similar vehicle struck their truck on U.S. Route 5 and also left the scene.

Police later located 46-year-old Jana Leigh of Newport Center and her 2021 Chevrolet Malibu on Cross Road. Investigators say Leigh was responsible for both crashes and took her into custody.

Leigh is facing four counts of aggravated assault and a charge of gross negligent operation. She was released on citation and is scheduled to appear in Orleans County Superior Court at a later date.