Stand Your Ground Vermont

10/17/2026

Can we stop with this bu****it already? It can’t be enforced, people will continue to drive 30-35 through the city. There is no reports of this being a problem. Focus your time and attention on the real problems in this city and quit with these bu****it non-issues.

Thirty miles per hour is a bit fast to drive through most city neighborhoods, Assistant City Engineer Ted Gillen told the Public Safety Committee Thursday.

10/16/2026

ARMED FATHER STOPS OREGON SCHOOL SHOOTER, PREVENTING FURTHER LOSS OF LIFE

STAND YOUR GROUND VERMONT | BREAKING NEWS

BEND, OREGON — A devastating school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday left three children and a teacher dead, with two others critically injured. But amid the tragedy, one armed citizen is being credited with stopping the gunman before more lives could be lost.

According to authorities, a 16-year-old gunman forced his way into the elementary school by shooting through locked doors before opening fire.

The victims included children ages 5, 8, and 11, along with a teacher. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically wounded.

AN ARMED FATHER STEPS IN

As the attack unfolded, a local father with two daughters attending the school reportedly witnessed the danger and took action.

Rather than remaining outside, the armed father pursued the shooter into the building and fatally shot him, bringing the attack to an end.

The man has since identified himself as Kaylub Giamanco, a lifelong Bend resident.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek publicly praised his intervention, crediting him with helping prevent further loss of life.

The exact number of lives saved cannot be determined, but authorities have made clear that his actions helped bring the violence to an end.

10/15/2026

A new bill in Congress would treat certain air guns as fi****ms, imposing sweeping federal regulations on owners and sellers.

"Garrett's Law" risks creating crimes out of thin air without delivering meaningful public safety benefits.

👉 https://www.nraila.org/articles/20261005/creating-crimes-out-of-thin-air-federal-bill-seeks-to-treat-air-guns-as-fi****ms

10/15/2026

RUTLAND POLICE EXECUTE DRUG SEARCH WARRANT, TWO ARRESTED

STAND YOUR GROUND VERMONT | LOCAL NEWS

RUTLAND, VT — October 15, 2026

The Rutland City Police Department has announced the arrest of two individuals following the ex*****on of a search warrant at a residence on Harrington Avenue.

According to an official police media release, officers executed a search warrant at 139 Harrington Avenue at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, as part of an ongoing drug investigation.

During the operation, officers encountered several individuals and made two arrests.

Police identified those arrested as:

* Sarah Lee — Police report that Lee had an outstanding warrant and is connected to additional drug possession and trafficking charges.
* Nathan Newton — Police report that Newton also had an outstanding warrant.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding evidence recovered during the search or whether new charges will result from the investigation.

The Rutland Police Department emphasized that drug investigations require significant time, resources, and coordination. Officials also encouraged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Rutland City Police Department at 802-773-1816.

Source: Rutland Police Department Media Statement, October 14, 2026 | Case

STAND YOUR GROUND VERMONT
Independent Community News & Public Awareness

10/15/2026

St. Johnsbury Barracks / 13 VSA 3253 Aggravated Sexual Assault

-13 VSA 2502 Lewd or Lascivious Conduct with Child

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE



NEWS RELEASE



CASE #: 26A4003642

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Detective Trooper Evan Johnson

STATION: Bureau of Criminal Investigation - A East - St. Johnsbury

CONTACT #: 802-748-3111



DATE/TIME: Spring 2021

INCIDENT LOCATION: Private residence in Lyndonville

VIOLATION:



-13 VSA 3253 Aggravated Sexual Assault

-13 VSA 2502 Lewd or Lascivious Conduct with Child



ACCUSED: Jacob Carter

AGE: 37

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Lyndonville, VT



VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence.)

AGE: Juvenile

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: N/A



SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:



In May 2026, the Vermont State Police and the Vermont Department for Children and Families initiated an investigation regarding accusations of sexual abuse of a juvenile that had occurred in Spring 2021. Through investigation, detectives developed probable developed to charge Jacob Carter, 37, of Lyndonville with aggravated sexual assault and lewd or lascivious conduct with a child.



On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, VSP arrested Carter in St. Johnsbury and transported him to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Johnsbury.



No additional details are available at this time. The affidavit of probable cause will be filed with the court and made public following Carter's arraignment.





COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: Oct. 14, 2026 at 1230 hours

COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division, in St. Johnsbury

LODGED - LOCATION: Northeast Correctional Complex

BAIL: Hold Without

MUG SHOT: Included



*Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time.





Detective Trooper Evan Johnson

Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury

Bureau of Criminal Investigation

1068 US Route 5, Suite 1

St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

Office: 802-748-3111

Email: [email protected]

10/14/2026

VERMONT’S 72-HOUR WAITING PERIOD COULD BE TEMPORARILY BLOCKED

STAND YOUR GROUND VERMONT | October 14, 2026

Vermont’s 72-hour fi***rm waiting period is facing a significant legal challenge, and the next federal court decision could have you walking out of gun stores fi***rm in hand the same day of purchase.

The case is currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, following oral arguments in April 2026.

So, what happens next?

The appeals court is reviewing a lower court’s decision to deny a preliminary injunction against Vermont’s waiting period.

Here’s why that matters:

If the court rules in favor of the challengers and orders an injunction, Vermont could be temporarily prohibited from enforcing its 72-hour waiting period while the underlying constitutional lawsuit continues.

That means eligible Vermonters could potentially take possession of purchased fi****ms without the additional mandatory 72-hour delay, provided all other legal requirements are satisfied.

And here’s the important part: The entire lawsuit does not have to be finished for that to happen.

A preliminary injunction could provide temporary relief long before a final ruling on the law’s constitutionality.

However, the appeals court could also uphold the denial of an injunction or send the case back for additional proceedings. A favorable ruling would not necessarily mean the waiting period is immediately suspended.

For Vermont fi***rm owners who have followed this case since 2023, the upcoming decision represents a meaningful opportunity for temporary relief from the waiting period.

The law remains enforceable today, but the court has the authority to change that before the lawsuit is over.

Stand Your Ground Vermont will continue following the case and reporting on the court’s decision.

10/14/2026

Shaftsbury Barracks / Multiple Charges

VSP News Release-Incident


STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE



NEWS RELEASE



CASE #: 26B3005445

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Arel

STATION: Shaftsbury Barracks

CONTACT #: (802) 442-5421



DATE/TIME: 10/07/2026 | 0008 Hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Readsboro, VT

VIOLATION:

Aggravated Assault
Criminal Threatening x2
Reckless Endangerment
False Swearing


ACCUSED: Damion T. Stratton

AGE: 27

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, VT



VICTIM #1: Aiden Bimmler

AGE: 24

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Readsboro, VT



VICTIM #2: Tina L. Drake

AGE: 59

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Readsboro, VT



VICTIM #3: Leonard A. Drake

AGE: 57

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Readsboro, VT



SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On October 07, 2026, the Vermont State Police was notified of a dispute in Readsboro which resulting in a fi***rm being brandished. Damion T. Stratton (27) was identified as a suspect on scene, and after a thorough investigation it was discovered that Stratton had caused fear of bodily harm to multiple residents of Readsboro, and had presented a deadly weapon to Aiden Bimmler (24). Stratton was issued a criminal citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division on October 12th, 2026, at 1230 hours.



COURT ACTION: YES

COURT DATE/TIME: 10/12/2026 | 1230 Hours

COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility (MVRCF)

BAIL: $50,000

MUG SHOT: YES



*Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of

the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time.

--

Trooper Michael Arel

Vermont State Police

“B” Troop – Shaftsbury

96 Airport Road

Shaftsbury, VT 05262

(802) 442-5421

10/14/2026

Williston Barracks / Driving Under the Influence/ Gross Negligent Operation/ Attempting to Elude/ Reckless Endangerment

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE



NEWS RELEASE

WRONG WAY DRIVER CRASH



CASE #: 26A1007677

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Michael Foley

STATION: Williston

CONTACT #: 802-878-7111



DATE/TIME: 10/11/2026 @ 0000 hours

STREET: Interstate 89 northbound

TOWN: Williston

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Mile Marker 84/4

WEATHER: Clear

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry



VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Taylor Chagnot

AGE: 29

SEAT BELT: Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Windham, CT

INJURIES: No injuries



PASSENGER: Allison Roberts

AGE: 31

SEAT BELT: No

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Underhill, VT

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: University of Vermont Medical Center



VEHICLE YEAR: 2020

VEHICLE MAKE: Jeep

VEHICLE MODEL: Gladiator

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Total



VEHICLE # 2

OPERATOR: Shawn Cavic

AGE: 32

SEAT BELT: Yes

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Williston, VT

INJURIES: Minor

HOSPITAL: NA





VEHICLE YEAR: 2025

VEHICLE MAKE: Ford

VEHICLE MODEL: Explorer

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Total







SUMMARY OF CRASH: On October 11th 2026 at 0000 hours, members of the Vermont State Police were notified of a wrong way driver travelling along Interstate 89 southbound, in the northbound lane of travel near Exit 14 in the town of South Burlington. Troopers located the vehicle in question as it continued to travel southbound in the northbound lane of travel in the area of Exit 12, in the town of Williston. Despite efforts to get the vehicle to safely come to a stop, the vehicle crashed into a Vermont State Police cruiser causing severe damage. Following the crash, the operator of the vehicle was identified as Taylor Chagnot. While speaking with Chagnot, troopers observed indicators of impairment. After a roadside investigation, Chagnot was placed under arrest for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence, Grossly Negligent Operation, Attempting to Elude, and Reckless Endangerment. Chagnot was transported to the Williston State Police Barracks for processing and ultimately held at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility for lack of $1,000.00 bail.



Members of the Vermont State Police were assisted during this incident by the Williston Police Department, the Williston Fire Department, and Anytime Towing.



COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE: October 13th 2026 at 0815 Hours

COURT: Chittenden County

MUG SHOT: Attached

BAIL: $1,000.00





SGT Todd Stackhouse

Patrol Commander

Troop A- Williston

3294 St George Rd

Williston, VT 05495

(802) 878-7111