By Tiffany Williams –
A confrontation between two men in the parking lot of a Walmart Supercenter in Vermont leads to a shot fired and a suspect on the run from Vermont State Police arrested.
It all started at about 4:25 p.m. in the parking lot outside the Walmart Supercenter in Derby, Vermont. State Police in Vermont said, “A suspect fired at least one shot at another individual. The suspect was reported to have fled the scene in a gray Chevrolet Equinox with unknown license plates. Initial investigation indicates the shooting was a targeted event, and there is no general threat to the public at large.”
The suspect was identified by Vermont State Police as Wellington Arias, 21, of Boston.
Arias was involved in a confrontation with 40-year-old Jason Willey. During the confrontation, Vermont State Police says Arias “Fired a round from a handgun in close proximity to Willey, which ricocheted off the pavement, and stole a gray Chevrolet Equinox from Willey’s possession.”
At the time, Wal-Mart, Vermont State Police said, “Was open for business, and the parking lot was occupied.”
Arias fled the scene immediately prior to the arrival of responding troopers, and Vermont State Police said he changed vehicles prior to traveling southbound on I-91, then briefly northbound again before being stopped Wednesday night just before 6:00 PM by a trooper assigned to the St Johnsbury Barracks who was monitoring traffic and stopped a Nissan Altima for traveling 97 MPH in a 65 MPH zone on I-91 Northbound in Lyndonville.
The operator of the Nissan Altima was Arias, and he was placed under arrest. Vermont State Police said Arias was transferred to the custody of Derby troopers and processed at the Derby Barracks.
Arias has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Aggravated Operating without Consent of Owner (Auto Theft).