By Layla Kalinen
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
ROCKINGHAM, Vt. — The Vermont State police responded to an incident involving an assault on a delivery driver at the Rodeway Inn in Rockingham. The altercation was over a reportedly less than a $3 discrepancy in the final delivery bill.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, the Vermont State Police-Westminster Barracks received a 911 call reporting an assault that had occurred at the Rodeway Inn Motel in Rockingham, VT.
An investigation at the scene revealed that Anthony J. Saucer, 43, a resident at the Rodeway, had assaulted a food delivery driver identified to be Kyle Haley, 31.
According to a court affidavit, Haley described the incident to Trooper Joseph Galusha at the Bellows Falls Police Department. He stated that he was delivering food from Athens Pizza to Saucer. Saucer reportedly handed Haley $20 to cover the $22.70 bill.
At this time, the victim allegedly told Saucer that he needed the bill paid in full, and the defendant invited him into the room while he grabbed more money. Once inside, Haley states, Saucer’s behavior escalated and he began yelling at the victim. He states that the defendant held the door shut and would not let him leave the room.
Haley was then allegedly able to open the door, but when attempting to close it behind him, slammed Saucer’s right middle finger, causing a laceration. Saucer then followed Haley to his vehicle, yelling, “You did this to my finger.” He then proceeded to slam the victim’s head off the car window, cracking it. Saucer then placed Haley in a chokehold, where Haley states that he was unable to breathe, almost lost consciousness, and feared for his life.
Ultimately, Haley states that was able to get into his vehicle, despite Saucer’s attempts to keep him from doing so. An estimate of the damages to his vehicle are forthcoming.
Saucer was subsequently arrested and transported to the Westminster Barracks for processing.
Saucer is being charged with Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Mischief, Violation of Conditions of Release against himself in the incident against Haley of Bellows Falls.
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