Bennington, VT News
Route 7 Crash Bennington VT Involves Police Cruiser
A late-night, three-vehicle crash at Route 7 and Kocher Drive in Bennington damaged an occupied town police cruiser and sent three people to the hospital with minor injuries Thursday. The police officer escaped the collision uninjured.
Late-night travel turned dangerous Thursday along one of Bennington’s busiest commercial corridors. A three-vehicle collision damaged an occupied town police cruiser. Furthermore, the crash sent three people to the hospital.
Why it matters
The junction at Route 7 and Kocher Drive connects major retail centers and commuter corridors in our community. When severe crashes occur there, they threaten traveling families. They also place local emergency workers directly in harm’s way. Consequently, this incident serves as a sharp reminder for local residents to exercise caution during late-night travel.
What happened in the Kocher Drive crash in Bennington?
A three-vehicle crash happened around 10:30 PM on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Route 7 and Kocher Drive. A westbound Toyota struck a southbound BMW in the intersection. Then, the collision forced both vehicles into a parked Bennington police cruiser. Three motorists suffered minor injuries, but the police officer escaped unharmed.
According to the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Field Station, clear conditions and dry pavement framed the scene. Gerson Montes, 25, of Schenectady, New York, drove west on Kocher Drive in a 2003 Toyota Camry. In addition, passenger Mya Simpson rode in his vehicle toward Northside Drive.
Meanwhile, Austin Mattison, 24, of Bennington, drove south on Route 7 in a 2018 BMW 328d. Mattison’s BMW struck the Camry as both vehicles entered the intersection. Next, the initial impact shoved both civilian cars across the pavement. Both vehicles then slammed into an occupied 2022 Ford Explorer police cruiser.
Bennington Police Sgt. Corey Briggs had stopped his cruiser at the intersection. He was preparing to turn right onto Route 7 from Northside Drive. As a result, the crash inflicted heavy damage on the front passenger side of the Camry. Both civilian vehicles sustained disabling damage. Therefore, All Service Citgo towed them from the roadway.
Who was involved in the Bennington police cruiser crash?
Four people from Vermont and New York were involved in the multi-vehicle crash, including an on-duty police officer. Sgt. Corey Briggs sat inside the stationary patrol vehicle during the collision and walked away uninjured. However, regional emergency crews evaluated three other motorists before transporting them to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.
State police identified the individuals and vehicles involved in the collision:
- Sgt. Corey Briggs: The Bennington police officer operated the 2022 Ford Explorer patrol cruiser and reported no injuries.
- Gerson Montes: The 25-year-old Schenectady driver operated the 2003 Toyota Camry and sustained suspected minor injuries.
- Mya Simpson: The passenger riding in Montes’s vehicle suffered suspected minor injuries.
- Austin Mattison: The 24-year-old Bennington driver operated the 2018 BMW 328d and sustained suspected minor injuries.
How did emergency crews respond to the Vermont State Police Bennington crash?
Emergency personnel from Bennington County and nearby New York responded rapidly to manage injuries and traffic hazards. Multiple ambulance units coordinated patient transport to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. In addition, local firefighters contained hazardous fuel spills. Crews also swept heavy debris from the roadway to reopen traffic.
Bennington Rural Fire Department quickly secured the crash site and mitigated fuel hazards. In addition, three area ambulance services dispatched crews to the scene. Bennington Rescue arrived promptly to deliver initial emergency care.
Soon after, Hoosick Rescue and Arlington Rescue mobilized ambulances to assist with patient transports. Responders transported Montes, Mattison, and Simpson to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington for medical care. Fortunately, medical personnel determined that all three suffered only minor injuries.
What are the legal consequences in this Bennington VT DUI crash?
State troopers cited 25-year-old driver Gerson Montes for suspected drug-related driving under the influence following an on-scene inquiry. Troopers ordered Montes to appear in criminal court later this winter. Meanwhile, state police continue to review evidence as their broader crash investigation moves forward.
During their on-scene inquiry, Sgt. Justin Walker and responding troopers observed physical indicators of drug impairment. Troopers determined that Montes operated his vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Therefore, troopers processed Montes on suspicion of drug-related DUI.
Following the arrest, troopers issued Montes a criminal citation. Montes faces arraignment at Bennington County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on December 14, 2026. Nevertheless, state police noted that the full crash investigation remains open.
What should local drivers keep in mind at this intersection?
The intersection connecting Route 7, Kocher Drive, and Northside Drive remains a focal point for regional commuters and shoppers. Drivers should exercise heightened awareness during evening hours when reduced visibility creates risks. Ultimately, alert driving protects emergency first responders and keeps neighborhood roadways safe for all motorists.
Motorists regularly navigate this corridor to reach local retail plazas and restaurants. However, sudden turning movements and commercial traffic demand complete driver focus. Thus, local authorities continue to encourage residents across Bennington County to drive sober and stay vigilant behind the wheel.
Sources
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Related: Damp Late-August Stretch Brings Rain, Drizzle, and Cooler Temperatures to Bennington County
Related: Border County Tax Pressures Mount as New York Shifts SNAP Costs
See a typo? Report it here.
