Bennington Police Cruiser Crash Leads to DUI Citation

A late-night three-car collision sent three people to the hospital on Thursday. The crash also damaged a local patrol vehicle. Fortunately, the officer avoided injury during the sudden impact. The incident highlights ongoing traffic safety concerns along our community’s busiest commercial corridor.

Why it matters

The junction of U.S. Route 7 and Kocher Drive connects major retail centers and neighborhoods in Bennington. Because this intersection handles heavy traffic around the clock, impaired driving creates serious dangers for local motorists. In addition, collisions that disable town emergency vehicles temporarily reduce local public safety resources.

What caused the Bennington police cruiser crash?

A two-car impact pushed two sliding vehicles directly into a stationary Bennington Police Department cruiser late Thursday. Investigators determined that a westbound Toyota Camry crossed the intersection and struck a southbound BMW. Then, the violent collision forced both cars into Sgt. Corey Briggs as he waited to turn onto Route 7.

The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Weather conditions remained cool and partly cloudy at the time. In addition, state police reported that road surfaces were dry.

Sgt. Briggs sat waiting in a marked 2022 Ford Explorer cruiser on Northside Drive. Specifically, he planned to turn right onto U.S. Route 7. However, the unexpected chain reaction gave the officer no time to maneuver away.

Consequently, the impact caused moderate damage to the push bumper of the patrol vehicle. It also left minor damage on the cruiser’s front bumper. Fortunately, Briggs wore his seat belt and escaped without physical injuries.

How did the Bennington VT crash Route 7 unfold?

The initial collision occurred when a westbound car crossed directly into the path of a southbound vehicle. Austin Mattison drove south along U.S. Route 7 in a 2018 BMW 328D. Meanwhile, Gerson Montes drove west on Kocher Drive in a 2003 Toyota Camry before the two vehicles collided violently.

As a result, the force of the collision severely damaged both civilian vehicles. For example, the Toyota Camry sustained heavy damage across its passenger-side front engine compartment, wheel area, and quarter panel. Meanwhile, the BMW suffered extensive front driver-side damage to its engine compartment and wheel.

Furthermore, state police noted key differences in safety restraint use among the occupants. Mattison, 24, of Bennington, properly wore his seat belt during the drive. In contrast, Montes, 25, of Schenectady, New York, did not wear a seat belt. Additionally, a passenger in the Camry, identified as Mya Simpson, required medical care at the scene. Tow crews from All Service Citgo later removed both disabled passenger cars.

What charges followed the Bennington DUI crash?

Vermont State Police cited 25-year-old Gerson Montes for suspicion of drug-related driving under the influence following an on-scene investigation. Troopers observed clear signs of impairment while speaking with the New York driver. Therefore, investigators formally processed Montes after emergency medical workers evaluated his injuries at the regional hospital.

Specifically, Sgt. Justin Walker of the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Field Station led the investigation under Case Number 26B3005026. Troopers arrived quickly to assess the multi-car pileup. During their roadside interviews, officers suspected Montes had operated the Camry while impaired by an intoxicating substance. Consequently, troopers processed Montes for suspicion of drug-related DUI.

Who responded to the Kocher Drive crash Bennington?

Multiple regional emergency agencies responded quickly to provide medical transport, traffic control, and hazard cleanup at the scene. Paramedics treated three people for minor injuries before transporting them to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. In addition, rural firefighters and regional rescue squads helped secure the roadway for several hours.

The multi-agency response brought together emergency personnel from several neighboring communities:

• Gerson Montes, 25: Treated for minor injuries and cited for suspicion of drug-related DUI.
• Austin Mattison, 24: Transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for minor injuries.
• Mya Simpson: Camry passenger transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.
• Sgt. Corey Briggs: Bennington police officer evaluated with no injuries reported.
• Mutual aid agencies: Bennington Rural Fire Department, Bennington Rescue, Hoosick Rescue, and Arlington Rescue.

First responders from both Vermont and New York worked together effectively. Therefore, crews treated patients quickly and cleared the roadway without further delay.

Why is the Route 7 and Kocher Drive intersection a safety concern?

The commercial intersection of Kocher Drive, Northside Drive, and Route 7 remains one of Bennington County’s busiest travel hubs. Many motorists use these roadways daily to reach shopping plazas, restaurants, and medical offices. Because cross-traffic flows continuously from multiple turn lanes, drivers must always exercise caution at every signal.

Accordingly, state and local police maintain active patrols in this area. These targeted patrols help deter speeding and impaired driving along the busy corridor.

Sources

• https://vsp.vermont.gov/press-releases/shaftsbury-field-stationdui-crashtown-of-bennington
• https://newportdispatch.com/2026/09/12/three-vehicle-crash-involves-police-cruiser-in-bennington
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/742618911/shaftsbury-field-station-dui-crash-town-of-bennington

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

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