Cat, impaired driver cause accident

STAMFORD -- A vehicle braking for a cat was rear-ended by an impaired motorist over the weekend according to authorities.

In a written release, state police reported the accident occurred Saturday at about 2:47 a.m. on Main Road/Vermont Route 100 in Stamford. Twenty-year-old Colter Suters of North Adams, Mass., was issued a citation to appear in court after police said his blood-alcohol content was measured at .089 percent following the accident.

The incident occurred as 26-year-old Philip Michalenko, of North Adams, Mass., was traveling southbound and a cat ran in front of his vehicle. Police said Michalenko told them he applied his brakes and came to a stop. Suters, following behind in a 2006 Suzuki Forenza, was not able to stop in time and rear-ended Michalenko’s 2005 Pontiac G6. Suters’ vehicle sustained heavy front end damage to the hood, headlights, and grill.

Police said both vehicles were traveling approximately 30 miles per hour at the time, and further investigation led Suters to be charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. He is due in court later this month.

-- Zeke Wright

Medical condition causes accident

MANCHESTER -- A single-vehicle accident that appeared to be caused by a medical condition sent one area resident to the hospital over the weekend.

State Police reported the incident occurred Friday at approximately 2 p.m., on Vermont Route 7A in Manchester. Authorities said state police witnessed the accident. Police said 44-year-old Donald Baker, of Manchester, was driving a 1990 Ford Ranger south when it veered off the roadway and struck a tree along the southbound shoulder.

Baker suffered a deep laceration to his head and was transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for evaluation. His passenger, Travis Baker, 21, did not suffer any injuries. Police said the vehicle was totaled, and the accident appeared to be caused by a medical condition, although the investigation is continuing.

-- Zeke Wright

Rooster art stolen

ARLINGTON -- Authorities are seeking leads after two large oil paintings were stolen overnight from Once Upon a Rooster in Arlington.

Police said both paintings depict roosters. The theft from the art gallery occurred some time overnight between Friday, Aug. 31, and Saturday, Sept. 1. One painting was described as rectangular, approximately two feet by three feet, while the second painting was a half-circle three feet in size.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police in Shaftsbury at 802-442-5421. Information can also be submitted anonymously online at www.vtips.info or by texting "CRIMES" (274637) with the keyword VTIPS.

Accident blamed on inattention

DORSET -- Police are advising motorists to continue to exercise caution when sharing the road with motorcyclists, after an accident involving a car and motorcycle over the weekend was blamed on driver inattention.

In a written release, state police reported only minor scrapes for the rider of the motorcycle. The incident occurred Sunday at approximately 2:35 p.m., on Vermont Route 30 in Dorset. Police said 79-year-old Fred Dieffenbach, of Dorset, was making a left-hand turn onto Awesome View Lane when he collided into the side of the motorcycle, ridden by 49-year-old William Breed, of Dorset.

Breed received minor scrapes while his 2004 Triumph motorcycle sustained damage to the front wheel. Dieffenbach’s 2005 Subaru Baja received minor damage to the driver side front bumper. Police did not report any citations as a result.