By Tiffany Williams –
VERMONT — In a span of roughly 24 hours, Vermont State Police responded to three separate crashes and incidents across the state that investigators say resulted in multiple drivers being taken into custody for driving under the influence.
The cases unfolded in Wallingford, Bristol and Weston, each involving allegations of impaired driving and each ending with criminal charges.
One of the most dramatic incidents occurred Tuesday afternoon in Wallingford.
According to Vermont State Police, troopers from the Rutland Barracks were notified at approximately 3:19 p.m. of a single-vehicle crash on North Main Street.
Investigators determined Patricia Travers, 61, of Wallingford, had been operating a 2013 Toyota RAV4 when the vehicle traveled through the parking lot and fencing of the Tenneybrook Gulf before continuing across an adjacent lawn.
The vehicle ultimately collided with a stump and came to an uncontrolled position of rest on its side.
The crash scene stretched far beyond a typical roadway incident. A vehicle leaving the road, cutting through private property, destroying fencing and overturning creates the kind of situation that can easily result in serious injury or worse for pedestrians, customers or anyone in the immediate area.
Travers was transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center.
Police said that while interacting with Travers at the hospital, it was determined she was under the influence of intoxicating substances.
Authorities took Travers into custody and transported her to the Rutland Barracks for processing. She was later released on a citation to answer charges of DUI and negligent operation at a later date.
The Vermont State Police were assisted by Wallingford Rescue and the Wallingford Fire Department.
Just hours later and more than 50 miles away, another crash investigation was unfolding in Bristol.
At approximately 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Vermont State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Monkton Road south of the Bristol Pond fishing access area.
Investigators determined Jacques H. Bickford, 24, of Starksboro, was operating a 2013 Toyota Camry southbound when he lost control of the vehicle.
Police said the vehicle crossed the centerline, traveled across the northbound lane, left the roadway and struck a telephone pole with enough force to break the pole.
A collision involving utility infrastructure carries consequences that extend beyond the driver. Crashes involving telephone poles can create hazards for other motorists, disrupt communications and require extensive emergency response and repair efforts.
During the investigation, troopers detected signs of impairment.
Bickford was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI and transported to the New Haven Barracks for processing.
Police said he was later released on a citation ordering him to appear in Addison County Superior Court on June 22, 2026, to answer a charge of DUI #1.
The Vermont State Police were assisted by the Bristol Police Department and Bristol Fire Department.
The third case occurred Monday afternoon in Weston.
According to Vermont State Police, troopers received a report at approximately 4:55 p.m. of a motor vehicle crash near 98 Greendale Road.
Investigators identified the operator as Anna M. Vanalstyne, 30, of Williamsville.
Police said indicators of impairment were detected while speaking with Vanalstyne following the crash investigation.
After further investigation, Vanalstyne was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Authorities reported that the 2024 Hyundai Venue involved in the crash sustained damage that left it totaled. No injuries were reported.
Vanalstyne was later released with a citation ordering her to appear in Windsor County Court on June 16, 2026, to answer a charge of DUI #2.
The three incidents underscore the continuing challenge impaired-driving investigations present for law enforcement agencies throughout Vermont. While each case involved different circumstances, all three investigations began with crashes or reports of concerning driving behavior that ultimately led troopers to suspect impairment.
In Wallingford, investigators allege a vehicle traveled through a parking lot, fencing and a lawn before overturning. In Bristol, police say a vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and struck a utility pole. In Weston, a crash investigation led troopers to detect indicators of impairment.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the specific intoxicating substances allegedly involved in the incidents.
All charges are allegations. Patricia Travers, Jacques H. Bickford and Anna M. Vanalstyne are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.