NEWPORT — Newport Police arrested a Derby man on multiple motor vehicle charges following a brief pursuit Tuesday afternoon.
Gerin Fortin, 28, was charged with eluding a police officer, grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle and excessive speed.
According to Chief Travis Bingham, Newport Police observed a black 2007 Honda Civic with a cracked windshield and missing inspection sticker leaving the Circle K on the Derby line at approximately 3:32 p.m. on June 17.
When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled the scene, nearly hitting a Newport Police cruiser. During the pursuit, officers observed the vehicle traveling at high speed and crossing double-yellow lines, almost hitting several oncoming vehicles.
Due to safety concerns, officers discontinued the pursuit and requested additional units to respond to the Valley Road and Derby Road area. Newport Police later spotted the Honda Civic on Whittier Road.
Vermont State Police and Orleans County Sheriff’s Department also responded to Whittier Road. The Newport K9 Unit and Vermont State Police located the vehicle in a field off Whittier Road.
K9 units tracked the driver and passenger, allowing perimeter units to locate both individuals in a nearby shed. The operator was identified as Fortin, who was arrested without incident.
During the preliminary investigation, police determined Fortin had two active warrants and was operating under the influence of drugs.
Fortin was held on $2,500 bail and is expected to be arraigned in Orleans Criminal Court on Wednesday, June 18.
