COVENTRY — Justin Kirby, 39, faces multiple felony charges following a series of alleged crimes in Coventry, including burglary, car theft, and property damage. The judge set bail at $5,000 during a court hearing last week.
According to an affidavit filed by Vermont State Police Trooper Anthony Rice, the incident began on the afternoon of January 26 when a Coventry resident reported her 2008 Volvo stolen from her driveway. The car owner told police she had left the vehicle unattended for approximately 10 to 15 minutes while dropping off her child for a skating activity. Upon returning, she discovered the car, along with her purse and keys, missing.
Approximately 30 minutes later, the stolen Volvo was found crashed on Lane Road in Coventry. Trooper Rice responded to the scene and observed the vehicle had veered off the road and collided with a fence. Evidence suggested an attempt had been made to tow the car back onto the road.
Investigators later identified a farm truck parked nearby, which appeared to have been used in the attempted towing. The truck’s driver informed police that a man matching Kirby’s description had approached him for assistance. After failing to free the car, the man reportedly asked for a ride to Hancock Hill, where he was dropped off.
Surveillance footage from the farm showed a man wearing light gray sweatpants, black boots, a black jacket, and a plaid hood—clothing consistent with Kirby’s appearance when he was later apprehended.
Later that evening, Trooper Rice received a call from a Hancock Hill resident who reported a man matching the suspect’s description wandering near her vehicles. The man allegedly claimed he had crashed his car on Lane Road and requested a ride, which the woman refused.
Shortly after, another caller reported an intruder had kicked in her back door and entered her home. The homeowner stated the man, later identified as Kirby, took a soda from her refrigerator, causing her to fear for her life. The door sustained significant damage.
State Police Sergeant Abigail Drew located and arrested Kirby, who was dressed in the same clothing seen in the surveillance footage.
During questioning, Kirby admitted to taking the Volvo without permission but denied other allegations, including a prior charge of retail theft on December 27, 2024, and charges of possession of stimulants and resisting arrest on January 14 in Newport.
He pleaded innocent to all charges during his arraignment.
