Bad Doings on a Back Road
In Bethel, Police Report

State police are seeking the public’s help in solving three crimes—all involving thefts and two of them arson—that occurred on a Class 4 section of Bethel’s Charlie Wilson Road, in March and in June. Two awards are being offered for information related to the crimes.

The incidents, which police believe may be related, include:

• Burglary and vandalism of a residence on March 6. Police, who had not previously issued a release on this incident, this week reported that power tools, pneumatic tools, and air compressors were stolen, and that the house was extensively vandalized.

• The theft in June of a 1977 Jeep CJ 7. The green Jeep was reported stolen from the Ward Hill area of Tunbridge on June 13, and its torched remains were later located on Charlie Wilson Road.

• The burglary and arson of a camper, reported June 18. Police said several firearms were stolen and the camper destroyed by arson to conceal the crime.

Charlie Wilson Road is off Camp Brook Road, near the Rochester border.

The owners of the Jeep have offered a $250 reward for information leading to the identification and prosecution of suspect(s) involved in this case.

Additionly, the Vermont Arson Tip Program is offering up to $5000 to persons providing information in these cases.

Det. Sgt. Tom Williams, arson investigator, determined the June incidents were arson and had similar qualities in their nature. Based on the use of arson to conceal both crimes, the manner and the close proximity and time frame in a remote location suggest the same person(s) may be responsible.

Anyone with information related to these crimes is asked to contact the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-32-ARSON, or call the Royalton Barracks at 234-9933 and ask to speak with Det. Sgt. Williams, or Tpr. Eric Hudson.

Police note that information can be provided anonymously, if desired, via the Arson Tip Line.