TOWNSHEND — Two residents of Townshend and one from Vernon have been charged by Vermont State Police (VSP) with possession of cocaine and controlled substances, following a high-speed police chase on I-91 north of Exit 3.
A member of the VSP was on patrol at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24 on Putney Road in Brattleboro when they observed a vehicle travelling in excess of the posted speed limit.
The trooper followed the vehicle onto I-91 at Exit 3, and observed the vehicle continuing to travel at a high rate of speed, while also allegedly failing to use its turn signal and failing to maintain its lane while travelling southbound, all according to a VSP press release.
The trooper attempted to perform a motor vehicle stop, and the vehicle allegedly increased its speed to approximately 100 mph.
The trooper pursued the vehicle past the Welcome Center on I-91. The vehicle entered a U-turn and began traveling northbound, but came to a stop, all according to police.
The occupants were detained and a search was performed on the vehicle. The search yielded approximately five ounces of cocaine, and benzodiazepine, according to police.
The operator, Treston Jordan, 19, of Townshend was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, grossly negligent operation, and excessive speed.
The two occupants, Ashley Hier, 26, of Vernon and Joseph Wright, 20, of Townshend were charged with possession of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance.
All three occupants were transferred to Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) and were held on bail, ordered by Judge Katherine Hayes, according to police.
A court date for the three individuals was set for 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division.
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