By Tiffany Williams –
ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT — A man is behind bars after cops say he stole a town-owned truck — with a municipal employee still inside — before crashing it into concrete bollards and a power pole Monday afternoon.
Vermont State Police say the chaos started around 12:05 p.m. when a town truck was reported stolen near Fairbanks Scales in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Troopers rushed to the area as reports came in that the vehicle had slammed off New Boston Road and the suspect was trying to flee.
Officers arrived moments later and nabbed 36-year-old Nicholas Pinto as he was climbing out of the wrecked 2019 GMC Sierra. Investigators say Pinto forced his way into the truck while a town worker, 63-year-old Daniel Gray of St. Johnsbury, was still inside — sparking a struggle before Pinto gained control and sped off.
Pinto’s wild ride ended when he plowed into the concrete and a power pole, totaling the vehicle. He was hauled to the St. Johnsbury barracks and hit with a string of charges including Assault and Robbery, Gross Negligent Operation, Aggravated Operating Without Owner’s Consent, and Aggravated Disorderly Conduct. Pinto is being held without bail at NERCF and is due in Caledonia County Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon.