NEWPORT — A 23-year-old Newport man, Jacob Thomas, faces multiple charges including cruelty to a child after leading Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase with an infant in his vehicle, authorities said.
The incident occurred on Route 105 in Troy on March 31, when a vehicle operated by Thomas failed to stop for police attempting to pull him over for speeding. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department reported that Thomas engaged in a pursuit at dangerously high speeds before he was apprehended.
Deputy Daniel Locke, involved in the chase, stated that the vehicle was eventually stopped and it was discovered that there was a young infant in the car during the pursuit. Thomas was arrested on charges of attempt to elude, excessive speed, careless and negligent operation, and cruelty to a child.
Thomas is scheduled to appear before the Vermont Superior Court Orleans Criminal Division on May 14. Further details about the child’s condition or relationship to Thomas were not immediately available.
