Gunshot fired in domestic incident

Posted Sunday, December 23, 2018 6:45 pm

Reformer Staff

All persons named in the Police Log are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you've appeared in the Police Log, and the charges were later dropped or dismissed, and you would like a follow-up to appear in print, please contact the Reformer newsroom at 802-254-2311, ext. 215, or news@reformer.com.

WESTMINSTER — In the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 22, Vermont State Police Troopers responded to a 911 call on Morse Brook Road in Westminster. Troopers located a member of the residence walking on the roadway who advised that a gunshot had gone off in the house, but they were unsure if anyone was hurt. Troopers traveled to the scene and located a juvenile still in the residence and were able to safely remove them.

Through investigation, it was determined that Russell McAllister, 58, of Westminster, had consumed alcohol, a violation of his conditions and engaged in tumultuous behavior by destroying the inside of his residence. During a heated verbal argument with members of his family, he secured a firearm and discharged a single round inside the residence, which went through an exterior door, exiting the home. McAllister is prohibited from possessing or owning firearms. It was determined that Russell and Terry McAllister, 53, of Westminster, had enabled the consumption of alcohol by minors in the residence during the evening as well.

Russell McAllister eventually exited the residence and was taken into custody. He was cited with violation of conditions of release, reckless endangerment, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and enabling consumption by minors. Terry was cited for enabling consumption by minors. Troopers contacted a Judge who set bail at the statutory limit of $200. Terry was released with a citation and Russell was lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility. The State Police were assisted by the Bellows Falls Police Department and Rescue personnel.

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Dec. 21

- Officers of the Brattleboro Police Department responded to a business on Elliot Street for a report of an out-of-control customer. Upon arrival, officers met Elizabeth MacFarland, the customer in question. MacFarland, 38, of Brattleboro, refused to leave when instructed, and was physically resistant with officers when placed her under arrest. MacFarland was transported to the department where she was lodged until sober, and then released with a citation. MacFarland will appear in Windham County Superior Court: Criminal Division to face the charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, unlawful trespass, and unlawful mischief.

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- Vermont State Police stopped Buck Mitchell, 26, of Brattleboro, on Western Avenue in Brattleboro for a traffic violation. He was subsequently found to be operating with a suspended license. He was issued a citation to appear in court at a later date to answer to the charge. He was issued a ticket for operating without insurance and written warnings for defective plate lights and inspection sticker not assigned to vehicle.

- At 9:24 p.m., Vermont State Police responded to Route 5 and Putney Landing, in Putney, for a report of a two-vehicle crash. Mary F. Zabriskie, 84, of Putney, stated the vehicle that struck her had fled the scene heading south on Route 5, towards Dummerston. Upon further investigation, Troopers observed substation front end damage to Zabriskie's 2013 Honda Civic. Zabriskie was unable to give a description of the vehicle that had struck her, but Troopers observed white paint transfer where the collision occurred. Anyone with information in regards to this crash is asked to contact the Westminster State Police Barracks at 802-722-4600. The other vehicle involved should have damage to the operator side front end, and should also have silver paint transfers on its front bumper.

Dec. 22

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- During the evening hours, Vermont State Police troopers from the Westminster Barracks conducted a saturation patrol throughout Windsor and Windham counties. The purpose of the saturation patrol was to focus on speed enforcement, distracted driving and the detection and apprehension of alcohol/drug impaired operators. During the patrol, troopers conducted 12 traffic stops, issuing four civil violations and 10 written warnings. One operator was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The Vermont State Police would like to remind all motorists to avoid operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs and to always utilize a sober driver.

- At 5:10 p.m., Vermont State Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2007 Ford F-150 on Route 11 in Peru for a speeding violation. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Kristian E. Griswold, 30, of Londonderry. Subsequent investigation revealed Griswold's license was currently criminally suspended in the State of Vermont. Griswold was also found to have two active arrest warrants for previous failures to appear on DLS charges. Griswold was arrested and processed at the Winhall Police Department. He was later transported to Southern State Correctional Facility for lack of $500 bail and issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division at a later date for the DLS charge.

- Between the hours and 6:30 and 9:15 p.m., Vermont State Police hosted a DUI Checkpoint on Route 100, at the intersection with Coldbrook Road, in Wilmington. A total of 10 officers participated in the checkpoint from the State Police office in Westminster, the Wilmington Police Department and the Dover Police Department. A total of 383 vehicles passed through the checkpoint which was staffed to check motorists traveling both north and southbound. As a result, two individuals, under the age of 21, were issued diversion paperwork for possession of marijuana. One operator was arrested for violating his court ordered conditions of release. Additionally, several other motorists were screened for possible impairment but released when found to not be impaired. The motoring public expressed their appreciation of the checkpoint. On several occasions, motorists could be heard saying, "Thank you for what you're doing," "Stay warm" and "Happy holidays." The Vermont State Police would like to remind all motorists to avoid operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs and to always utilize a sober driver.

- At 10:22 p.m., troopers from the Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks made a motor vehicle stop on I-91 in Putney. The operator, identified as Brieanna A. Holiday, 29, of Westminster, showed signs of impairment. Holiday was screened for impairment and subsequently arrested for DUI. Holiday was processed for the offense and released to a sober party.