FAIRFAX, VT — A Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy was dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop Friday night on Main Street, suffering serious injuries.
The incident occurred at about 8 p.m. near 1408 Main St. (Vermont Route 104).
The deputy had stopped a silver Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck for speeding and spoke with the operator, who identified himself as Alexander T. Seagroves, 32, of Fletcher.
The deputy returned to his cruiser when the Silverado began to move, prompting the deputy to approach the truck and order Seagroves to turn off the engine and get out of the vehicle.
Seagroves did not comply, instead driving south on Route 104 and dragging the deputy, who was holding onto the front door, before braking and throwing the deputy from the pickup truck.
Seagroves then drove from the scene.
A bystander witnessed the incident and called 911.
Fairfax Rescue transported the deputy to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
The Vermont State Police identified the victim as Cpl. Jeffery Barriger, 42.
Barriger has been a member of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office since March 2024 after seven years as a full-time police officer with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.
As of Sunday morning, Barriger’s condition at the medical center was reported to be critical but stable.
Troopers located Seagroves at a residence on Hemlock Road in Fletcher.
A vehicle matching the description and registration involved in the incident was located behind the residence.
State police arrested Seagroves and transported him to the St. Albans Barracks for processing.
He was charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, gross negligent operation, eluding a police officer, driving with a suspended license and arrest on a warrant.
He was ordered jailed without bail pending arraignment, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans.
