By Tiffany Williams –
CAVENDISH, Vt. (August 22, 2025) — Vermont State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Vermont Route 103 and Greven Road in Cavendish at approximately 6:41 PM on Friday.
The investigation identified Rene Russell Melanson, 75, of Proctorsville, as the operator of a 2019 Ford F-250. Troopers determined Melanson had operated the vehicle negligently and displayed signs of impairment. He was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence and Gross Negligent Operation and transported to the Westminster Barracks for processing. Melanson was issued a citation to appear in Windsor County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on September 9, 2025, at 8:30 AM.
The second vehicle, a 1984 Chevrolet S10 Pickup operated by Joseph Gifford, 56, of Chester, was totaled. Gifford, who was not wearing a seat belt, sustained injuries reported as serious and was transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Melanson’s vehicle sustained minor damage, and no injuries were reported to him.