Chester, VT Police Department

06/23/2026

Come join us for this years free community event - BBQ with the Badges!

For community partners and businesses who would like to host an information table, and those who are interested in donating items for our fundraiser raffle, please e-mail [email protected]. We look forward to your participation!

06/19/2026

A few more photo’s from Wednesdays table top exercise at the VT SEOC.

06/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AQDbgUezN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This past Wednesday, the Chester Department of Public Safety, with representatives from Police, Fire, and EMS traveled to Waterbury to participate in a tabletop disaster training exercise at the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center. The disaster was simulated to have occurred in the Town of Chester on the local railway system. This was a great event to participate in with our other local, state, and federal partners. We all plan and practice for the next major event, hoping we never have to use it, but are nonetheless prepared when the time comes!

06/18/2026

A large storm front is approaching the area bringing high winds and damage/power outage potential. NEVER cross or approach downed lines, flooded roadways, or river banks. Stay indoors when possible. Avoid unnecessary travel. Have water reserves and battery back ups available, if needed.

Call 911 and public safety agencies for emergencies only. Visit https://newengland511.org/region/Vermont for road updates and https://greenmountainpower.com/outages/ to report outages as well as see projected restoration times.

US National Weather Service Burlington VT

55m
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A line of showers and thunderstorms is tracking eastward through portions of northern New York. By 1 PM, it will be moving into the Champlain Valley and begin exiting Vermont by 3 PM. These times are approximate, for a look at real-time radar, check: https://radar.weather.gov/station/KCXX/standard

06/18/2026

ATTENTION - SCAMMERS ARE USING A FAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT NUMBERS. They may say you have a warrant or even try to say someone got in an accident and needs money for help/for bail. If you receive a call, you may notify the caller you will return their call. HANG UP AND CALL THE DIRECT OFFICE LINE (use an internet search and confirm it is the actual agency before calling). Do not call any other phone number provided.

Please help spread the word!

06/15/2026

06/11/2026

CASE #: 26CH002110

OFFICERS: Thomas Battista CONTACT #: 802-875-2035

DATE/TIME: June 03, 2026 / 1714 Hours

LOCATION: Chester, VT 05143

CHARGES: Violation of Conditions of Release

ACCUSED: Terri Steele

AGE: 49

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Chester, Vermont

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On June 03, 2026, officer Thomas Battista observed the accused to have violated the terms of the accused’s Conditions of Release. Officer Battista issued the accused a Criminal Citation to appear at the Vermont Superior Court-Windsor Criminal Division to answer the charge of Violation of Conditions of Release

Point of Clarification: Police have no control over bail, or incarceration. Those matters are handled by the Judicial System, including the Judges, Court Clerks and the State Attorney’s Office.

Court Date: July 28, 2026

06/11/2026

CASE #: 26CH002110

OFFICERS: Thomas Battista CONTACT #: 802-875-2035

DATE/TIME: June 03, 2026 / 1714 Hours

LOCATION: Chester, VT 05143

CHARGES: Violation of Conditions of Release

ACCUSED: Thomas J. Steele

AGE: 47

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Chester, Vermont

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On June 03, 2026, officer Thomas Battista observed the accused to have violated the terms of the accused’s current Conditions of Release. Officer Battista issued the Accused a Criminal Citation to appear at the Vermont Superior Court-Windsor Criminal Division to answer the charge of Violation of Conditions of Release.

Point of Clarification: Police have no control over bail, or incarceration. Those matters are handled by the Judicial System, including the Judges, Court Clerks and the State Attorney’s Office.

Court Date: July 28, 2026

06/10/2026

CASE #: 26CH002199

OFFICERS: Thomas Battista CONTACT #: 802-875-2035

DATE/TIME: June 08, 2026 / 2329 Hours

LOCATION: Vermont Route 10, Chester, VT 05143

CHARGES: Excessive Speed

ACCUSED: Juvenile

AGE: 19

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Mount Holly, Vermont

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On June 08, 2026, at 2329 hours officer Thomas Battista observed a vehicle traveling east on Vermont Route 10, a public highway at a speed greater than the 40 MPH posted speed limit. Officer Battista had the vehicle traveling 80 MPH in the 40 MPH posted zone. Officer Battista issued the Accused Juvenile Citation to appear at the Vermont Superior Court-Family Division to answer the charge of Excessive Speed.

Point of Clarification: Police have no control over bail, or incarceration. Those matters are handled by the Judicial System, including the Judges, Court Clerks and the State Attorney’s Office.

Court Date: August 05, 2026

06/10/2026

CASE #: 26CH002135

OFFICERS: Thomas Battista CONTACT #: 802-875-2035

DATE/TIME: June 04, 2026 / 1627 Hours

LOCATION: Vermont Route 11, Chester, VT 05143

CHARGES: Excessive Speed

ACCUSED: Gage Edward Mercier

AGE: 23

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bellows Falls, Vermont

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On June 04, 2026, at 1627 hours officer Thomas Battista observed a vehicle traveling south on Vermont Route 11, a public highway at a speed greater than the 50 MPH posted speed limit. Officer Battista had the vehicle traveling 82 MPH in the 50 MPH posted zone. Officer Battista issued the Accused a Criminal Citation to appear at the Vermont Superior Court-Criminal Division to answer the charge of Excessive Speed.

Point of Clarification: Police have no control over bail, or incarceration. Those matters are handled by the Judicial System, including the Judges, Court Clerks and the State Attorney’s Office.

Court Date: July 28, 2026