According to police reports, a traffic enforcement operation on U.S. Route 7 in Shaftsbury led to the citation of a 36-year-old man from New York for excessive speed and negligent operation. The incident occurred on February 28, 2026, when officers observed a vehicle traveling at 101 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Troopers from the Shaftsbury Barracks were conducting speed checks near mile marker 17 when they confirmed the vehicle’s speed using RADAR. The driver, identified as Leonard Swerdlof, was stopped without incident. He has been charged with excessive speed and negligent operation and issued a criminal citation.
Swerdlof is scheduled to appear in the Bennington County Superior Court – Criminal Division on April 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. According to the report, all charges are allegations at this stage, and the court date is subject to change. For confirmation of the arraignment, individuals are advised to contact the criminal court clerk.
Source: Vermont State Police
About this report AI-assisted
Source: Vermont State Police ↗
How this was written: This story was drafted with AI assistance from public-record sources and published under VTScout's editorial standards. Spot something wrong? Request a correction.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and court dates are subject to change. Reporting is based on information from law enforcement and public records, and will be updated as more details become available.
The VTScout newsroom covers Vermont local news, public safety, and community life across the four regions of the state. Tips and corrections welcome at [email protected].