Suspicious bag with firearm, phones found weighted down in Irasburg

IRASBURG — A local duck hunter’s discovery of a weighted bag containing firearms and other items in Irasburg has sparked an investigation by Vermont State Police.

The hunter discovered the bag on Sunday while duck hunting along the Black River on Covered Bridge Road. Inside, he found what appeared to be a deliberately concealed cache: a handgun, a loaded AR-15 magazine with ammunition, three phones, clothing, a small camera, and other items. The bag had been weighted down with two bricks.

The hunter immediately contacted Vermont State Police, who confirmed they received the items at the Derby Barracks.

Adam Silverman, a VSP spokesperson, said investigators are working to determine the significance of the find.

“Our investigators are working to determine the exact location where the bag was found and what case, if any, it might be connected to,” Silverman said.

State police later contacted the hunter and asked him not to discuss the matter publicly while the investigation is ongoing. The hunter had scheduled an interview with Newport Dispatch about his discovery before receiving the request from police.

Silverman said the decision to limit public discussion was made to protect the investigation.

“During active and ongoing investigations, releasing too much information prematurely to the public has the potential to jeopardize a case,” Silverman said.

Vermont State Police have not provided details about whether the items are connected to any ongoing criminal investigation or missing persons case in the area.

The agency has also not indicated if they will release further information to the public.