ST JOHNSBURY, VT — A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a municipal truck with an employee still inside and crashing it on Nov. 3.
St Johnsbury State Police were alerted to a theft of a town municipal truck near Fairbanks Scales at approximately 12:05 p.m.
Troopers began responding to the area when they were advised the truck had crashed on New Boston Road and the operator was attempting to leave.
Troopers arrived shortly thereafter and came in contact with Nicholas Pinto, 36, of St Johnsbury, as he was exiting the stolen truck.
Pinto was immediately detained.
Investigation revealed that Pinto forcibly entered the town truck with the town employee still inside.
There was a struggle between the two men inside the vehicle for a short time before Pinto was able to get sole control of the truck and drive off.
Pinto drove the truck from there to New Boston Road where he went off the road, crashed into concrete bollards and a power pole.
The victim was identified as Daniel Gray, 63, of St Johnsbury.
The 2019 GMC Sierra was totaled.
Pinto was processed at the St Johnsbury barracks for assault and robbery, gross negligent operation, aggravated operating without owner’s consent and aggravated disorderly conduct.
Pinto was ordered held without bail and will appear in Caledonia Criminal Court on Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m.
