According to police reports, a 27-year-old man from Hyde Park has been charged with negligent operation and excessive speed following a traffic incident in Stowe. The events unfolded on April 22, 2026, when a Vermont State Police trooper observed a Toyota Tacoma traveling south on Stagecoach Road. The vehicle entered an opposing lane and overtook the trooper’s unmarked cruiser in a designated no-passing zone, reportedly exceeding speeds of 70 mph in a 40 mph area.
Wesley Cote was stopped and issued a violation for failing to obey traffic control devices, which carries a penalty of two points and a fine of $162. He is also facing charges of negligent operation and excessive speed, both of which are violations of Vermont traffic laws. According to police, these charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
Cote is scheduled to appear in Lamoille County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on June 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM. It is important to note that all charges are allegations at this stage, and court dates may change as the case progresses.
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Source: Vermont State Police
About this report AI-assisted
Source: Vermont State Police ↗
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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.

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