A quiet Saturday afternoon in Bennington was shattered when a 38-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound crashed his vehicle into a row of parked cars.
The Bennington Police Department received notification of the multi-vehicle accident at 5:06 p.m. at the intersection of Park Street and Spring Street.
A 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was traveling northbound on Park Street when it veered off and struck three stationary vehicles.
The impact of the collision was violent enough to flip one of the parked vehicles onto its roof in the middle of the street.
Responding officers initially found three occupants inside the Subaru when they arrived at the crash site.
While providing immediate medical care to the operator of the vehicle, police discovered that he had sustained a gunshot wound in addition to any crash injuries.
Emergency personnel from the Bennington Fire Department and Bennington Rescue were called to the scene to assist with the life-threatening situation.
Additional support was provided by Pownal Rescue and Arlington Rescue as the scene was secured.
The driver was rushed to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for stabilization before being transferred to Albany Medical Center for further treatment.
Police officials provided an update on the severity of the victim’s condition following the transfer.
“The driver was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries,” as reported by WPTZ.
Two other passengers in the Subaru were also injured during the high-impact collision.
They were transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center with injuries described as serious but not life-threatening.
As the investigation progressed, authorities determined that a fourth person had been inside the Subaru at the time of the crash.
That individual managed to flee the scene on foot before the first police units could arrive.
Bennington Police have stated they are looking to speak with that person as part of their ongoing inquiry.
A person of interest has since been identified and taken into police custody.
“Bennington Police have taken a person of interest into custody related to this incident,” per WPTZ.
The department worked to maintain public calm while the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
“Authorities said there is no threat to the community at this time,” according to the WCAX News.
The Vermont State Police are currently assisting local investigators with the complex scene.
Police have emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and additional information is being withheld for now.
The Bennington Police Department has promised to provide updates as more facts are confirmed.
Anyone with information about the shooting or the crash is urged to contact investigators at 802-442-1030.
Witnesses can also submit tips through the official department website.