STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#:  24A4005043                   

TROOPER FULL NAME:  Griffin Pearson

STATION:  St. Johnsbury Barracks                                          

CONTACT#:  802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME:  6-30-24 at 1957 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION:  I-91 North, mile marker 133, St. Johnsbury, VT

VIOLATION(S):  DUI #2, Gross Negligent Operation

 

ACCUSED:  David Capaccioli

AGE:  56

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:  Plainfield, VT

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

On 6/30/24 at approximately 1957 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – St. Johnsbury Barracks received reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong-way on I-91 North. Callers advised that a Subaru was traveling southbound in northbound lanes on I-91, near mile marker 133, in St. Johnsbury at a high rate of speed. As Troopers approached I-91 North, Exit 21, in search for the wrong-way driver, they observed a silver 2014 Subaru Outback traveling south in the northbound passing lane. The Trooper initiated their siren and blue emergency lights to deter and stop the wrong-way vehicle, as well as warn nearby northbound traffic.

 

Despite the Trooper’s efforts to deter the wrong-way vehicle, the suspect vehicle continued southbound, failing to stop. The responding Trooper was forced to merge from the left lane into the right lane to avoid being struck head-on by the wrong-way driver. The suspect vehicle came within feet of striking the responding Trooper’s cruiser and was estimated to be traveling approximately 65mph.

 

The vehicle continued traveling south on I-91 North, passing several vehicles at highway speeds. The suspect vehicle suddenly merged from the passing lane over two lanes to the Exit 21, I-91 North on-ramp, which originates from US-2 East. The vehicle continued traveling the wrong-way up the on-ramp, exiting the interstate, and continuing west in the eastbound lane of US-2. While doing so, the suspect vehicle crossed from the eastbound lanes into westbound lanes, disregarding posted “WRONG WAY” signs. Moments later, responding Troopers intercepted the suspect vehicle on the US-2 / I-91 overpass and conducted a traffic stop.

 

Troopers secured the vehicle and identified the operator as David Capaccioli (56) of Plainfield, VT. During the course of the investigation, Troopers observed Capaccioli exhibiting several signs of impairment. He was taken into custody and transported to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing. He was subsequently cited to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on July 8, 2024, at 0830 hours for the aforementioned charges.

 

Dashcam footage from the responding Trooper’s cruiser, which captures the near head-on-collision, is attached and incorporated herein.

 

LODGED:  Yes

BAIL:  N/A

MUG SHOT:  Yes

COURT ACTION:  Yes

COURT:  Caledonia County

COURT DATE/TIME:  7-8-24 at 0830 hours

 

*Please note:  Court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time.