ST. JOHNSBURY — Two Concord residents were arrested following an altercation with homeless individuals that authorities are investigating as a hate-motivated crime.
Howard Stevens, 44, faces charges of two counts of simple assault and a hate-motivated crime following the May 6 incident at the intersection of Route 2 and Route 18.
Cherie Kinney, 43, was charged with simple assault and had an outstanding in-state warrant, according to Vermont State Police.
Troopers responded to reports of a citizen dispute involving a possible stolen car at approximately 9:25 p.m.
The victims were identified as Devine Campbell-Reid, 27, and Melissa Howard, 41, both homeless individuals residing in St. Johnsbury.
According to authorities, Stevens and Kinney had left the scene before troopers arrived, and attempts to locate them that night were unsuccessful.
The following day, troopers located both suspects, took them into custody, and transported them to the Vermont State Police Barracks for processing.
