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Putney Arrest-Eluding/Gross Neg Op/ Leaving scene of crash

Incident: 24WHC006493
Date: 12/20/24
Location: Main St. Putney, VT
Investigating Deputy: Det. Sgt. M. Checchi, Deputy D. Gaillardetz, Deputy T. Raymond

Accused: Stephen R. Mecheski
Age: 21
City & State of Residence: Putney, VT

Charges: Eluding law enforcement, Gross negligent operation, Leaving the scene of a crash;

Description: On December 20th, 2024, at approximately 1805 hours, a deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle for a motor vehicle infraction on Main St. in Putney, VT. The vehicle continued on after being signaled to stop, turned around in the Sunoco gas station, then rapidly accelerated north on US Rt. 5 and onto Main St. again in Putney. After leaving the parking lot, the vehicle struck another motor vehicle in traffic at the intersection of Landing Rd, Carol Brown Way, and Main St. in Putney, VT. No injuries were reported as a result.

The fleeing vehicle then continued north on Main St. where it stopped near the Putney Library and the operator fled on foot. Deputies canvassed the area and followed footprints. After following footprints to an address on Shag Bark Hill in Putney, it was believed the original operator had fled a residence into the woods using an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Deputies continued investigating this incident over the following months.

At the conclusion of this investigation, the operator was found to be Stephen R. Mecheski of Putney, VT. Stephen was interviewed by a Deputy on 2/20/25, where he was arrested and issued a citation to appear at a later date.

Court Date: 4/29/25
Bail: N/A