TOPSHAM, VT — Two vehicles sideswiped each other on Vermont Route 25 near the Corinth town line on April 27, 2026.
Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded to the crash at approximately 8:14 a.m.
Justin Paquette, 37, who is homeless, was driving a 2010 Ford Focus when he failed to maintain his lane and entered the opposing lane of travel, striking a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox operated by Jackie Winget, 39, of Bradford, according to police.
The vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the collision occurred.
Paquette suffered serious, non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Central Vermont Medical Center before being transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center for additional treatment.
Brandon Marquardt, 33, of Hartford, a passenger in Paquette’s vehicle, was not injured.
Winget reported no injuries.
Neither Paquette, Marquardt nor Winget were wearing seat belts, police said.
Paquette was cited criminally for negligent operation and issued four Vermont civil violation complaints for operating without liability insurance, persons required to register, driving on roadways laned for traffic and operating without a license.
Additional charges are pending further investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Trooper Rodzel at 802-748-3111.
Anonymous tips can be submitted at https://vsp.vermont.gov/prevention/tipsubmit.
