Bennington, VT News
Bennington Man Facing Charges After Shaftsbury VT DUI Arrest
Vermont State Police arrested Anthony Williams of Bennington following a high-speed traffic stop on Route 7A in Shaftsbury. Williams faces charges of DUI, negligent operation, and excessive speed after allegedly driving 72 mph in a 40 mph zone.
Local commuters on Route 7A witnessed a dangerous situation on Saturday evening. A vehicle sped through Shaftsbury at nearly double the legal speed limit. This incident also prompted swift action from the Vermont State Police. Troopers arrested a local driver following a brief investigation.
Why it matters
High-speed driving and impaired operation pose immediate dangers to everyone on our roads. Route 7A serves as a major corridor connecting Bennington and Shaftsbury. Therefore, local families rely on safe driving conditions every day. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to keep our highways safe.
What Led to the Shaftsbury VT DUI Arrest on Route 7A?
Vermont State Police arrested a Bennington man on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Troopers clocked his vehicle traveling 72 mph in a 40 mph zone. Troopers also observed the car crossing the center line multiple times on Route 7A near Cleveland Avenue before they initiated a traffic stop.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. Sgt. Colin Shepley of the Shaftsbury Barracks reported that troopers were patrolling the area. They spotted a vehicle traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. Next, troopers attempted to catch up to the vehicle to initiate a stop. During this pursuit, they then clocked the vehicle traveling 32 mph over the legal limit. Also, the driver crossed the yellow center line multiple times. This erratic behavior created an immediate hazard for oncoming traffic. Consequently, troopers activated their emergency lights and stopped the vehicle near Cleveland Avenue.
Who Is Anthony Williams Bennington VT Resident Facing Charges?
Anthony Williams, a 22-year-old resident of Bennington, Vermont, faces multiple charges following the weekend traffic stop. Police identified Williams as the driver. They arrested him for driving under the influence, negligent operation, and driving at an excessive speed on Saturday night.
After stopping the vehicle, troopers identified Williams at the scene. They noted that he displayed multiple indicators of impairment. Therefore, troopers took Williams into custody. In addition, they transported him to the Shaftsbury Barracks for processing. Some preliminary notes listed his age as 43. However, official police records and local media reports confirm that Williams is 22 years old. This case has quickly become a notable part of Bennington County crime news this month.
What are the specific charges and court details?
Authorities released Williams on a citation to appear in the Bennington Criminal Division of the Vermont Superior Court. He must answer to charges of DUI, negligent operation, and excessive speed on October 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Bennington.
Troopers processed Williams at the barracks without further incident. Because he cooperated with the process, officials did not hold him on bail. Instead, they released him with a citation for a future court date. Williams now faces several serious charges in court. These charges include:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI #1)
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Excessive Speed
He must appear before a judge next month to address these allegations.
How does this impact Route 7A Shaftsbury VT safety?
The Vermont State Police Shaftsbury barracks continues to monitor Route 7A closely to prevent speed-related crashes. This busy stretch of road near Cleveland Avenue sees high daily traffic, making speed enforcement critical for local drivers and families in the area.
Local residents often express concern about speeding on Route 7A. This road connects several residential neighborhoods and local businesses. Therefore, high speeds can lead to severe accidents. Vermont State Police troopers remain active in the area to deter reckless driving. They encourage community members to report erratic driving immediately. By doing so, residents can help keep our local streets safe for everyone.
Sources
- https://vsp.vermont.gov/press-releases/shaftsbury-barracks-multiple-charges
- https://newportdispatch.com/2026/09/21/man-arrested-on-dui-charge-in-shaftsbury
- https://fyivt.com
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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