Brattleboro man accused of hitting teen with vehicle

The victim had scrapes on his left hand, and police said his back was also being checked for additional injuries.

A 16-year-old boy was taken to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital with minor injuries after police say a confrontation in Brattleboro turned into a vehicle chase and crash.

Charles B. Walsh, 32, was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of a crash. He was initially held without bail, then released Thursday after pleading not guilty during arraignment and agreeing to court conditions.

According to police, the incident began near Marlboro Avenue and later continued onto Fairground Road. Investigators said a group of juveniles had been walking in the area when an argument developed with Walsh. Witnesses and one of the teens told police the dispute escalated quickly, with the juveniles fleeing through the woods and later heading back toward Fairground Road near the high school.

Police said the juveniles then saw a blue Subaru coming up behind them. One teen moved out of the way, while another was struck. Officers said the vehicle fled after the collision. The victim had scrapes on his left hand, and police said his back was also being checked for additional injuries.

A separate witness told police the group appeared to be running from the blue Subaru and described the car entering a parking lot at speed, going over a curb and then leaving in the wrong direction. That witness said the injured teen also ran into the side of a pickup truck while trying to get away.

Investigators also reviewed a video on a juvenile’s phone. Police said the footage and statements indicated Walsh had threatened the teens during the earlier confrontation.

Walsh told police a different version of events. He said he had been outside working when the youths passed by and made a comment about a window, which he believed was connected to a prior vandalism complaint involving one of the teens and his home in 2025. Walsh said he yelled at them and chased them on foot, but denied getting into his car or leaving his property.

His attorney, Carolyn Conrad, told the court that Walsh disputes parts of the affidavit but acknowledges his behavior was inappropriate. She said discussions had already started with the state about a possible resolution.

Brattleboro Police said officers were called to Fairground Road around 5 p.m. Wednesday after a report of a crash involving a juvenile. After investigating, they located the vehicle involved.