Fair Haven man arrested after police chase, crash

FAIR HAVEN — Fair Haven police arrested Jake F. Desjardon, 37, of Fair Haven on July 12 after he led officers on a chase in a stolen vehicle and later hid in a basement.

Police attempted to stop Desjardon at 7:22 a.m. for speeding on Route 22A.

Desjardon failed to stop and continued south on Route 22A, forcing cars off the roadway.

At the intersection of Route 22A and Route 4, Desjardon turned right onto Route 4 and lost control of the vehicle, striking a guardrail.

Desjardon continued attempting to flee and collided with a patrol car before traveling down an embankment.

He then fled on foot and avoided capture.

Police identified Desjardon as the operator and learned the vehicle had been reported stolen from the Bennington area.

Desjardon was also wanted on an arrest warrant.

At approximately 6 p.m. July 12, police received information that Desjardon might be hiding at a residence on West Street.

Officers from Fair Haven Police, Vermont State Police and Castleton Police took Desjardon into custody after finding him hiding in the basement of the home.

Desjardon was charged with possession of stolen property, aggravated operation without owner’s consent, gross negligent operation of a motor vehicle and attempting to elude.

He was also arrested on a warrant for violation of probation, possessing a big game animal taken by illegal means during closed season, possession of stolen property and taking big game out of season.

The arrest warrant was issued June 23 by Judge Jennifer Barrett of Bennington District Court after Desjardon violated his probation.

Desjardon was lodged at Marble Valley Correctional Center on $25,000 bail.