NEWPORT After an alleged armed altercation in Lowell, where investigators claim there were charges of gun theft and threats with a handgun, two men are facing felony charges.
Judge Rory Thibault ordered Island Pond resident Patrick DeBonville, 30, to be held without bail following his not guilty plea to charges of unlawful mischief, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and illegal firearm possession by a violent felon.
After entering a not guilty plea to accessory charges of aggravated assault, unlawful mischief, and criminal threatening, Jason R. Metras, 47, of Barton was granted $10,000 bail.
In his affidavit, Vermont State Police Trooper James Gallup states that the incident started at 12:42 p.m. on June 11 when a woman contacted 911 to report that someone was using an ax to hit her car and falsely accusing her of stealing from a house on Tenakee Road.
Investigators were informed by witnesses that Metras, DeBonville, and an unnamed woman showed up seeking the return of a shotgun that was purportedly stolen. The group allegedly departed after being denied but came back to intensify the altercation.
One resident’s father reported to authorities that DeBonville threatened him while pressing a rifle barrel against his skull. The weapon was described as older by a son at the house.Ruger semiautomatic handgun in 22 caliber, similar to a German type from World War II.
DeBonville allegedly told the man to stay motionless, saying, “The pistol is loaded and the safety is off.”
Before the three escaped, it was stated that threats were made and car windows were broken during the altercation. Later, officers pulled their car over at Newport Center’s Routes 100 and 14.
Officers discovered a Ruger revolver in.22 caliber on Loop Road, some 500 feet from where they had initially seen the suspect’s car.
During interrogation, both defendants denied any involvement; Metras said he stayed in his car, while DeBonville said he just smoked cigarettes at the time of the occurrence.
