POWNAL – Vermont State Police have cited a New York man for driving while under the influence, third offense; gross negligent driving with a criminally suspended license, third offense, and leaving the scene of an accident.
In a media release, Trooper Michael Arel reported that Michael B. Starkey, 44, of Hoosick Falls, N.Y.. was traveling on Route 346 on May 19 at about 6:40 p.m. when he drove into a joint New York-Vermont safety checkpoint, with directed patrols on both sides of the state border.
Arel said Starkey, who was driving a 2004 Honda CR-V, approached a set checkpoint in New York and turned around. New York Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop with a display of lights and siren, Arel wrote, but Starkey failed to yield and fled into Vermont.
Starkey was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate an intersection with care or obey a yield sign, Arel said.
The Honda struck a 2023 Mazda CX-30 operated by Wendy S. Gipp, 64, of Williamstown, Massachusetts, at the intersection of Vermont Route 346 and North Pownal Road.
Both vehicles sustained disabling front-end damage, police said, but no injuries were reported.
“The collision occurred in the presence of Vermont State Troopers, who observed that Starkey was attempting to flee the scene,” Arel reported. “Troopers detained Starkey, rendered aid on scene, and initiated an investigation. Vermont State Troopers discovered that Starkey was showing signs of alcohol impairment and had a criminally suspended license.”
Starkey was issued a citation to appear before the Vermont Superior Court — Bennington Division on June 30.