Vehicle crash at Fort Dummer triggers multi-agency search after Massachusetts pursuit

Officials have not identified the driver or released further information about what led to the pursuit.

A police chase that started in Massachusetts ended Thursday afternoon in Fort Dummer State Park, where a vehicle struck a tree and the driver ran into the woods, prompting a large search by local and state law enforcement.

The incident led Brattleboro Police, Vermont State Police and the Windham County Sheriff's Office to sweep the area around the campground. Officers armed with long guns were seen searching the wooded sections of the park after the driver left the wrecked vehicle behind.

Brattleboro police said they were alerted around 2:40 p.m. that Massachusetts State Police had been pursuing a vehicle. According to the department, spike strips were deployed in an effort to stop it, but the driver continued into Vermont. Officers later found the car crashed and empty in Fort Dummer State Park.

By late Thursday afternoon, officials had not identified the driver or released further information about what led to the pursuit. Police also said there was no current danger to the public. An earlier concern that the person might have had a gun was later ruled out.

People camping in the park said they saw the vehicle move quickly through the campground before the crash. One camper, Ryan, who did not give his last name, described a white vehicle racing past shortly before impact. Another camper, Jim, said he saw it hit both a picnic table and a tree. Several witnesses also said multiple police vehicles arrived soon afterward and that the driver then ran into the woods.

The search was still underway Thursday afternoon. During the response, a meals program at Brattleboro Union High School was shut down early and the building was placed on lockdown because of the nearby police activity.

Walpole, N.H. Police also assisted, and the investigation remains active. Authorities said no injuries or charges had been confirmed. Anyone with information is asked to call the Brattleboro Police Department at 802-257-7950 or Vermont State Police at 802-722-4600.