Middlebury man with crossbow leads police on hectic chase through Vermont towns

COLCHESTER, Vt. – A Middlebury man is going through aggravated assault and theft costs after main a number of native police departments on a prolonged chase whereas threatening bystanders with a crossbow.

It began simply earlier than 7 pm on Sunday, when police obtained a name a few man driving recklessly in his Jeep Cherokee on Route 15 in Colchester. Police stated Ben Webb, 38, apparently stopped, obtained out of his car and demanded one other driver hand over his debit card.

“Mr. Webb pulled up alongside of him within the roadway and pointed a crossbow at him,” stated Lt. James Roy of the Colchester Police Division.

Police say when Webb was unable to get the debit card, he robbed a fuel station for cigarettes half a mile down the street. On Monday, common prospects of the fuel station have been shocked to listen to concerning the evening earlier than.

“The one ones you see strolling round with a crossbow are sometimes bow looking, not standing on a avenue nook making an attempt to carry up a retailer,” stated Scott Lee of Essex.

Twenty minutes later, stories got here in that Webb was now on Route 7, driving erratically and lacking a tire on his Jeep. At this level, a number of witnesses have been following his car, trying to keep watch over him till police arrived. He lead them down Severance Highway, then Forman Drive, the place residents of the sometimes quiet neighborhood have been handled to a chaotic scene.

“I used to be simply in my room and I heard yelling,” stated MacKaylah O’Brien. “I noticed a automotive on the finish of our cul-de-sac, after which I simply noticed sparks.”

Earlier than police arrived, Webb as soon as once more pointed his crossbow at a bystander. Upon their arrival, officers demanded that he drop his crossbow. He did, however the pursuit wasn’t over.

“This automotive simply takes off, goes previous the cop, over the curb and smokes a mailbox,” O’Brien stated. “The cop simply took off and went after him.”

Colchester police adopted him again on to Severance Highway, then Kellogg Highway, earlier than he turned onto Morse Drive. Essex police arrived to help, at which level Webb drove immediately at their cruiser, hanging the left aspect and inflicting intensive injury. Two Essex Law enforcement officials have been seen at UVM Medical Middle for minor accidents.

Webb was additionally transported to UVM Medical Middle, and faces a number of aggravated assault costs and two costs of theft. Police say additional costs are doubtless because the investigation continues.

Lt. Roy stated in conditions like this, something can occur.

“These are the most important challenges, making an attempt to make split-second choices with little or no data, it’s principally what you’re confronted with proper at hand.”

Anybody with data on this case is requested to name Colchester Police at 264-5555.